Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 698150

Johnson's Hairstreak
Callophrys johnsoni

Observation date: May 15, 2010
Submitted by: pcastrovillo
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: This was the fifth year (since 2000) that I've observed C. johnsoni in the Horseshoe Bend, ID area - clearly appears to be an established viable population but, so far, always only observed very infrequently (1-3 individuals per year on years when it is encountered - not seen in 2001-3, 2006, 2008 or 2009 - however I only get to Horseshoe Bend once or twice each year during what would be considered the flight period of C. johnsoni). Habitat is transitional sage steppe/forest/riparian. Elev approx 3500 ft. The individual collected this year was netted on the wing along a trail next to a creek (near the spot where the first specimen was collected in 2000). Specimen resides at the Orma J. Smith Museum of Natural History at The College of Idaho, Caldwell, ID. After reading that preferred larval food is dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium campylopodum) infecting hemlocks I have begun looking for hemlock, but so far have not been able to find it. There is a lot of pine in the area infected with dwarf mistletoe, but if hemlock is there I have been unable to locate any.
Status: Resident
Verified by: kent
Verified date: February 17, 2012
Coordinator notes: Thank you
Checklist region(s): United States, Idaho, Boise County