Species Detail

Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak

Strymon istapa (Reakirt, [1867])

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Attributes of Strymon istapa

Family: Gossamer-wing Butterflies (Lycaenidae)

Subfamily: Hairstreaks (Theclinae)

Identification: One short hindwing tail. Upperside dark gray; female with blue-gray at lower half of hindwing. Underside hindwing gray with one round black spot near base of costa, postmedian row of small black dots.

Life history: Caterpillars eat stems and young leaves of host plant.

Flight: All year; number of broods has not been determined.

Wing span: 7/8 - 1 1/4 inches (2.2 - 3.2 cm).

Caterpillar hosts: Plants in mallow family (Malvaceae) including alkali mallow (Sida hederacea) and coastal Indian mallow (Abutilon permolle); also bay cedar (Suriana maritima).

Adult food: Nectar from small-flowered trees and composites, croton.

Habitat: Open disturbed areas, second growth, weedy pastures, roadsides.

Range: Brazil north through Central America, the West Indies, and Mexico to southern California, southern Arizona, South Texas, and peninsular Florida.

Conservation: Any limited U. S. populations may require conservation.

NatureServe Global Status: G5 - Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.

Management needs: Maintain present habitats and manage for necessary host and nectar plants.