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Nelson's Hairstreak
Callophrys nelsoni (Boisduval, 1869)
Attributes of Callophrys nelsoniFamily: Gossamer-wing Butterflies (Lycaenidae) Subfamily: Hairstreaks (Theclinae) Identification: Upperside of male is dark brown with rusty orange patches on lower outer edges of wings; female is mostly tawny with dark margins. Underside is brown with a lilac tinge; hindwing postmedian line may be reduced or it is dark and usually outlined in white. Life history: To seek females, males perch on host trees all day. Eggs are laid singly on tips of host plant leaves, which the caterpillars eat. Chrysalids hibernate. Flight: One brood from May-July. Wing span: 1 - 1 1/8 inches (2.5 - 2.9 cm). Caterpillar hosts: Incense cedar (Calocedrus decurrens), western red-cedar (Thuja plicata). Adult food: Flower nectar including buckbrush, pussy-paws, and composites. Habitat: Openings in coniferous forests. Range: Southern British Columbia and northwest Montana south through Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Nevada to the high-altitude mountains of southern California and Baja California Norte. Conservation: Not usually of concern. 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 Callophrys nelsoni
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