The Juniper Hairstreak, also known as the Olive Hairstreak or Olive Juniper Hairstreak, is a small butterfly commonly found in dry, open woodlands where juniper or cedar grows. Its upperside is dark brown with small, pale rust colored patches, though some individuals may appear more greenish. The underside of the hindwings is bright green with two small white spots near the base and a jagged white line edged on the inside with reddish brown. This bold pattern helps the butterfly blend in with the foliage of its host plants. The species lacks tails and has a quick, skipping flight.

 

“Juniper Hairstreak” by Ronnie Pitman, licensed under (CC BY-NC 2.0)

 

Juniper Hairstreak Facts

Butterfly Family: Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae)

Butterfly Subfamily: Theclinae

Butterfly Wingspan: 1 – 1 1/4 inches

Butterfly Habitat: Old fields, bluffs, barrens, juniper and pinyon-juniper woodlands, and cedar breaks

 

🪴Host Plants

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

• Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

• Other native junipers (Juniperus spp.)

 

🌸 Nectar Plants

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

• Asters (Symphyotrichum spp.)

• Beebalm (Monarda fistulosa)

• Blazing Star (Liatris spp.)

• Blue Phlox (Phlox divaricata)

• Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

• Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)

• Dogbane (Apocynum spp.)

• Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea)

• Hoary Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum incanum)

• Ironweed (Vernonia spp.)

• Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium spp.)

• Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum spp.)

• New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus)

• Spotted Beebalm (Monarda punctata)

• Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

• Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum)

• Wild Quinine (Parthenium integrifolium)

• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)