Arizona Hairstreak (Erora quaderna [Hewitson])
Wing span: 7/8 - 1 1/8 inches (2.2 - 2.9 cm).
Identification: Tailless. Upperside of male dark brown; female with iridescent blue patch on each wing. Underside pale green with rows of short copper dashes.
Life history: Not reported.
Flight: One brood from June-July.
Caterpillar hosts: Possibly oaks (Quercus species).
Adult food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Mountain trails and roadsides, forest openings.
Range: Southern Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Mexico.
Conservation: Common in several Southwest ranges. Conservation is not thought necessary.
The Nature Conservancy Global Rank: G4 - Apparently secure globally, though it might be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.
Management needs: None reported.
References:
Bailowitz, R. A., and J. P. Brock. 1991. Butterflies of southeastern Arizona. Sonoran Arthropod Studies, Inc., Tucson, Arizona. 342 pages. Scott, J. A. 1986. The butterflies of North America. Stanford University Press, Stanford, Calif. 583 pages, 64 color plates. Tilden, J. W. 1986. A field guide to western butterflies. Houghton-Mifflin Co., Boston, Mass. 370 pages, 23 color plates.
Author: Jane M. Struttmann