Banded Hairstreak Butterfly – Satyrium calanus

The Banded Hairstreak is the most common hairstreak east of the Rocky Mountains. It is a territorial butterfly that will challenge many other butterflies invading its territory. They are avid flower visitors, and their favorite nectar sources include milkweed, dogbane, daisies and sumacs. Many hairstreaks are extremely variable and can only be identified by experts. It is thought this variety may in reality be many closely related species living in proximity.

Similar species: Striped, Kings, Edward’s hairstreaks. Life Cycle: Eggs overwinter. Caterpillars are yellow-green with dull side stripes and dark brown band below. Host plants include Walnuts, Hickory, Oak and Shagbark Hickory. Flight: 1 brood, Late June to early July
Habitat: Deciduous forests, clearings and wooded glades, roadsides, parks, meadows and fields.

Order Lepidoptera, which contains both butterflies and moths, includes at least 125,000 known species including 12,000 in North America. Butterflies are revered for their brightly colored wings and pleasing association with fair weather and flowers.
Learn to identify many of the American Midwest’s common species through descriptions and large diagnostic photos of live, wild specimens.
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