Colorado Hairstreak

Hypaurotiscrysalus

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Gardener's Notes:
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Magpye

NW Qtr, AR (Zone 6a) | August 2006 | Neutral
Wing span: 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 inches (3.2 - 3.8 cm).

Identification: Hindwing has slender tail. Upperside dark purple with wide dark border and orange spots at lower outer edge of each wing.

Life history: Adults rest in Gambel oaks, and males patrol there for receptive females. Eggs are laid singly on twigs of the host tree, then hibernate. Caterpillars eat young leaves in spring.

Flight: One flight from June-August.

Caterpillar hosts: Leaves of oaks, particularly Gambel oak (Quercus gambelii) in the beech family (Fagaceae).

Adult food: Tree sap, raindrops, probably honeydew from aphids and other insects.

Habitat: Oak scrub and oak woodlands.

Range: Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico; n... read more
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