The Banded Hairstreak is a small butterfly found throughout the United States. The Banded Hairstreak is chestnut brown with a beautiful blue patch on the hindwing surrounded by a black and red pattern. The hindwings have two tail-like extensions that are common among Gossamer Wing butterflies.

 

“Banded Hairstreak” by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren, licensed under (CC BY 2.0)

 

Banded Hairstreak Facts

Butterfly Family: Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae)

Butterfly Subfamily: Theclinae

Butterfly Wingspan: 1 – 1 1/2 inches

Butterfly Habitat: Forest areas and neighboring open edges and fields

 

Banded Hairstreak Host and Nectar Plants

Host Plants:

• Red Oak
• White Oak
• Walnut
• Hickory
• Box Elder
• Chestnut

Nectar Plants:

• Common Milkweed
• Yarrow
• Meadowsweet
• Staghorn Sumac
• White Clover
• New Jersey Tea
• Dogbane
• Flowering Dogwood