Coral Hairstreak – Satyrium titus
The Coral Hairstreak is one of a dozen or so very similar butterflies. This is the only hairstreak with that row of coral-colored spots without tails. Life Cycle: Eggs overwinter. Caterpillar covered with fine silken hairs, yellow-green underneath, feeds on wild cherry, plum, and serviceberry. One brood, usually July. Habitat: Meadows and fields, roadsides, brushy clearings.
I found this specimen nectaring on Milkweed, near the West Branch of the DuPage River in Northern Illinois. These butterflies are quite rare here. Similar species: Edward’s Hairstreak, Hickory Hairstreak, Striped Hairstreak and Banded Hairstreak (below).
See also Banded Hairstreak
References
- Bugguide.net, Coral Hairstreak
- National Audubon Society Field Guide to Insects & Spiders Chanticleer Press 1980
- Eric Eaton & Ken Kaufman, Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America
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.
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