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Species Detail

Amethyst Hairstreak

Chlorostrymon maesites (Herrich-Schäffer, 1865)

Attributes of Chlorostrymon maesites


Family: Gossamer-wing Butterflies (Lycaenidae)

Subfamily: Hairstreaks (Theclinae)

Identification: Upper surface of male iridescent deep blue-purple; female dull gray-blue. Lower surface has thin postmedian line on yellow-green background.

Life history: Males perch in tree foliage 6-10 feet above ground.

Flight: Two or three flights in Florida from December-July.

Wing span: 7/8 - 1 inch (2.2 - 2.5 cm).

Caterpillar hosts: Unknown in wild; caterpillars have fed on flower buds of Albizia lebbeck (Fabaceae) in the lab.

Adult food: In Florida, nectar from flowers of ape\'s earring, Brazilian pepper, Guamachil, and shepherd's needle.

Habitat: Subtropical evergreen or semideciduous woods and hammocks.

Range: Southeastern Florida peninsula and Keys; larger Caribbean Islands.

Conservation: Amount of habitat is restricted on the Florida Keys.

NatureServe Global Status: GU - Unable to assign rank due to lack of available information.

Management needs: Conserve all possible native habitats.

Documented Records for Chlorostrymon maesites



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