Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

Xami Hairstreak
Callophrys xami (Reakirt, [1867])


Family: Lycaenidae
Subfamily: Theclinae
Identification: Hindwing with 1 short and 1 long tail. Upperside of male brown; female reddish brown. Underside hindwing is yellow-green with jagged white postmedian line forming a W near tails.
Wing Span: 3/4 - 1 1/4 inches (2 - 3.2 cm).
Life History: Eggs are laid singly on underside of host plant leaves near the base. Caterpillars eat their way into the thick leaves.
Flight: Many flights from April-December.
Caterpillar Hosts: Succulents (Sedum and Echeveria species) in the Crassulaceae family.
Adult Food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Rocky canyons and slopes, levees.
Range: Guatemala north to southeastern Arizona and central Texas.
Conservation: Colonies in United States are small and local. South Texas population is extirpated.
NCGR: G4 - Apparently secure globally, though it might be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.
Management Needs: Determine status of South Texas population and conserve habitats elsewhere.
Comments: NULL