Satyrium calanus explained

Satyrium calanus, the banded hairstreak, is a butterfly in the family Lycaenidae.

Appearance, behavior, and distribution

The banded hairstreak is a common hairstreak east of the Rocky Mountains in North America. It is a territorial butterfly that will challenge other butterflies invading its territory.

Subspecies

Listed alphabetically:

• S. c. albidus Scott, 1981
• S. c. calanus
• S. c. falacer (Godart, [1824])
• S. c. godarti (Field, 1938)

Life cycle

Eggs are laid singly on the host plants and hatch in the spring. There is a single brood that flies early June to late August.^[1]

Host plants

Host plants include oak, hickory, and walnut (especially butternut).^[2]

Similar species

• Edwards' hairstreak (S. edwardsii)
• Hickory hairstreak (S. caryaevorum)

External links

• Banded hairstreak, Butterflies of Canada

Notes and References

1. Book: Nielsen, Mogens C. . 73 . Harvesters, Coppers, Hairstreaks, Blues . Michigan Butterflies & Skippers A Field Guide and Reference . 1999 . Michigan State University Extension . 1-56525-012-5.
2. Book: Hall. Peter W.. Jones. Colin D.. Guidotti. Antonia. Hubley. Brad. The ROM Field Guide to the Butterflies of Ontario. 2014. Royal Ontario Museum. Toronto, Canada. 978-0-88854-497-1. 172–173.