Bartram's Scrub-Hairstreak (Strymon acis [Drury])
Wing span: 7/8 - 1 1/8 inches (2.2 - 2.9 cm).
Identification: Hindwing with 1 long and 1 short tail. Upperside dark gray. Underside light gray. Hindwing with wide straight postmedian band of white edged with black; 2 white spots near base of wing.
Life history: Eggs are laid singly on flower stalks of host plant. Young caterpillars eat upperside of leaves, flowers, and fruits; older caterpillars feed on leaves.
Flight: Three to four flights in Florida from February-November.
Caterpillar hosts: Narrow-leafed croton (Croton linearis) in the Euphorbiaceae family.
Adult food: Nectar from flowers of narrow-leafed croton and shepherd's needle.
Habitat: Pine forest openings.
Range: Southern Florida and the Keys, West Indies.
Conservation: All populations should be conserved.
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: Prevent further loss of habitat. Ensure that host plant colonies remain in suitable condition.
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