The Harvester is a small, tan butterfly with dark borders and irregular blotches on the upper surfaces of the wings. The underside is a rich reddish orange, sometimes showing a subtle purplish sheen, and is marked with distinctive orange brown circles outlined in fine white rings. This unique pattern helps the butterfly blend in with its surroundings. Unlike most butterflies, the Harvester’s caterpillars are carnivorous, feeding on woolly aphids rather than plants. Adults are often found near streams and moist woodlands where their host insects thrive.
 

“Harvester butterfly” by Kara Jones, licensed by (CC BY-NC 2.0)

 

Harvester Facts

Butterfly Family: Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae)

Butterfly Subfamily: Miletinae

Butterfly Wingspan: 1 1/8 – 1 1/4 inches

Butterfly Habitat: Deciduous or mixed woodlands along streams

 

🪴Host Organisms

Females lay eggs near colonies of woolly aphids, typically on or adjacent to the host plant species where the aphids are present. Larvae consume the aphids directly.
These native plants often host the woolly aphids that Harvester caterpillars feed on:

• Alder (Alnus spp.) — especially Speckled Alder (Alnus incana)

• Beech (Fagus grandifolia)

• Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)

• Ironwood (Carpinus caroliniana)

• Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)

 

🌸 Nectar behavior

Adult Harvesters are not typically found in gardens and do not sip flower nectar. Instead, they feed on:

• Aphid honeydew (sugary secretions from aphid colonies)

• Moist soil or mud

• Tree sap