The Early Hairstreak is found in a narrow band from northern Wisconsin across southeastern Canada to Maine and from there scattered through the Appalachian range. The Early Hairstreak is a small butterfly. The upperside of the wings is black and blue. On males the blue may be limited to the margin of the hindwing; females have more extensive patches on both wings. The underside is pale turquoise blue, with two irregular bands of small orange spots on the hindwing and they have no tail.

 

“Early Hairstreak” by Tom Murray, licensed under (CC BY-ND-NC 1.0)

 

Early Hairstreak Facts

Butterfly Family: Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae)

Butterfly Subfamily: Theclinae

Butterfly Wingspan: 7/8 – 15/16 inchs

Butterfly Habitat: Deciduous and mixed woods, especially on open ridgetops and along dirt roads

 

Early Hairstreak Host and Nectar Plants

Host Plants:

• Beech Trees
• Hazlenut Trees

Nectar Plants:

• Nectar from various flowers
  • Fleabane
  • Ox-eyed Daisy
  • Milkweeds