The Oak Hairstreak is a very small butterfly that is rarely seen with its wings open. The Oak Hairstreak butterflies can be identified by the two tails on each hindwing. They have greyish-brown undersides with a blue tail spot and orange coloring above. A black “W” with white edging is located near the inner margin. The top side of the wings is brown with a small orange spot near the tail. There is no blue on the top side. Males have a dark patch on their forewing.

 

“Oak Hairstreak – Satyrium favonius” by Christina Butler, licensed under (CC BY 2.0)

 

Oak Hairstreak Facts

Butterfly Family: Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae)

Butterfly Subfamily: Theclinae

Butterfly Wingspan: 7/8 – 1 1/2 inches

Butterfly Habitat: Oak woodlands and edges, oak hammocks in the Deep South

 

Oak Hairstreak Host and Nectar Plants

Host Plants:

• White Oak
• Red Oak
• Black Oak
• Blackjack Oak

Nectar Plants:

• Flower Nectar
  • Common Milkweed
  • Sweetspire