The Coral Hairstreak is a small to medium-sized butterfly easily recognized by its vivid orange spot band, which gives the species its name. It is the only hairstreak with a row of coral colored spots and no tails. The underside of the wings is light brown with a row of bright orange spots along the outer edge of the hindwing and a series of black dots outlined in white across both forewings and hindwings. The upper side is dark brown. Males have a small scent patch near the forewing margin, while females often show a faint, variable row of orange spots on the upperside as well.

 

“Coral Hairstreak” by John Flannery, licensed under (CC BY-ND 2.0)

 

Coral Hairstreak Facts

Butterfly Family: Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae)

Butterfly Subfamily: Theclinae

Butterfly Wingspan: 1 – 1 1/2 inches

Butterfly Habitat: Shrubby areas, brushlands, openings in woodlands, neglected pastures, streamsides, barrens, chaparral, and brushlands

 

🪴 Host Plants

These are the plants where females lay eggs and caterpillars feed:

• Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)

• Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana)

• Wild Plum (Prunus americana)

 

🌸 Nectar Plants

Adult Coral Hairstreak butterflies feed on nectar from the following native flowers:

• Blazing Star (Liatris spp.)

• Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) – a favorite and frequently used

• Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)

• Common Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)

• Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)

• Dogbane (Apocynum spp.)

• Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea)

• Ironweed (Vernonia spp.)

• Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium spp.)

• Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum spp.)

• New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus)

• Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

• Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

• Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)

• Wild Quinine (Parthenium integrifolium)

• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)