Yojoa Scrub-Hairstreak (Strymon yojoa [Reakirt])
Wing span: 7/8 - 1 1/4 inches (2.2 - 3.2 cm).
Identification: Upperside gray. Underside gray; submarginal gray-white stripe bordered by faint irregular postmedian line.
Life history: Eggs are laid singly on flowers of the host plant. Caterpillars feed on flowers and fruits.
Flight: One from October-December in South Texas, throughout the year in tropics.
Caterpillar hosts: A variety of tropical plants including Hibiscus species, Desmodium axillare, and Kohleria tubiflora.
Adult food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Subtropical thorn forest, scrub, lightly disturbed areas.
Range: Brazil north through Central America to Mexico. Rare stray to South Texas.
Conservation: Not necessary for rare stray.
The Nature Conservancy Global Rank: G5 - Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.
Management needs: None reported.
References:
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