Amethyst Hairstreak (Chlorostrymon maesites [Herrich-Schäffer])
Wing span: 7/8 - 1 inch (2.2 - 2.5 cm).
Identification: Upper surface of male iridescent deep blue-purple; female dull gray-blue. Lower surface has thin postmedian line on yellow-green background.
Life history: Males perch in tree foliage 6-10 feet above ground.
Flight: Two or three flights in Florida from December-July.
Caterpillar hosts: Unknown in wild; caterpillars have fed on flower buds of Albizia lebbeck (Fabaceae) in the lab.
Adult food: In Florida, nectar from flowers of ape's earring, Brazilian pepper, Guamachil, and shepherd's needle.
Habitat: Subtropical evergreen or semideciduous woods and hammocks.
Range: Southeastern Florida peninsula and Keys; larger Caribbean Islands.
Conservation: Amount of habitat is restricted on the Florida Keys.
The Nature Conservancy Global Rank: GU - Unable to assign rank due to lack of available information.
Management needs: Conserve all possible native habitats.
References:
Opler, P. A. and G. O. Krizek. 1984. Butterflies east of the Great Plains. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore. 294 pages, 54 color plates. Opler, P. A. and V. Malikul. 1992. A field guide to eastern butterflies. Peterson field guide #4. Houghton-Mifflin Co., Boston. 396 pages, 48 color plates. Scott, J. A. 1986. The butterflies of North America. Stanford University Press, Stanford, Calif. 583 pages, 64 color plates.
Author: Jane M. Struttmann