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Golden Hairstreak
Habrodais grunus (Boisduval, 1852)
Attributes of Habrodais grunusFamily: Gossamer-wing Butterflies (Lycaenidae) Subfamily: Hairstreaks (Theclinae) Identification: Short tail on hindwing. Upperside of male dark brown with yellow tinge in cell area of forewing; female not as dark. Underside yellow brown with a narrow, dark postmarginal line; hindwing has thin gold crescents at margin, of which the last two are iridescent. Life history: Males patrol tree canopy for receptive females. Eggs are laid on twigs of host trees. After hibernating through the winter, eggs hatch and the caterpillars feed on young leaves. Flight: One flight from June-September. Wing span: 1 - 1 1/4 inches (2.5 - 3.2 cm). Caterpillar hosts: Leaves of oak relatives including canyon live oak (Quercus chrysolepis), huckleberry oak (Q. vaccinifolia), and tan oak (Lithocarpus densiflorus). Adult food: Adults do not seek flower nectar but search out moisture sources and possibly aphid honeydew or other exudates. Habitat: Oak woodland, canyons, mountain ridges. Range: Southern Arizona, Oregon, and California. Conservation: Not usually required. NatureServe Global Status: G5 - Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery. Management needs: None reported. | Documented Records for Habrodais grunus
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