North American Butterflies and Moths List

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Butterflies of North America

Bartram's Scrub-Hairstreak (Strymon acis)
JPG -- species photo

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

Bartram's Scrub-Hairstreak (Strymon acis)
distribution map
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