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Colorado Hairstreak
Hypaurotis crysalus (W.H. Edwards, 1873)
Attributes of Hypaurotis crysalusFamily: Gossamer-wing Butterflies (Lycaenidae) Subfamily: Hairstreaks (Theclinae) Identification: Hindwing has slender tail. Upperside dark purple with wide dark border and orange spots at lower outer edge of each wing. Life history: Adults rest in Gambel oaks, and males patrol there for receptive females. Eggs are laid singly on twigs of the host tree, then hibernate. Caterpillars eat young leaves in spring. Flight: One flight from June-August. Wing span: 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 inches (3.2 - 3.8 cm). Caterpillar hosts: Leaves of oaks, particularly Gambel oak (Quercus gambelii) in the beech family (Fagaceae). Adult food: Tree sap, raindrops, probably honeydew from aphids and other insects. Habitat: Oak scrub and oak woodlands. Range: Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico; north into southern Wyoming, west into eastern Nevada. Comments: The official State Butterfly of Colorado. Conservation: Not usually required. NatureServe Global Status: G4 - Apparently secure globally, though it might be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery. Management needs: None reported. | Documented Records for Hypaurotis crysalus
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