Amethyst Hairstreak (Chlorostrymon maesites [Herrich-Schäffer])
Wing span: 7/8 - 1 inch (2.2 - 2.5 cm).
Identification: Upper surface of male iridescent deep blue-purple; female dull gray-blue. Lower surface has thin postmedian line on yellow-green background.
Life history: Males perch in tree foliage 6-10 feet above ground.
Flight: Two or three flights in Florida from December-July.
Caterpillar hosts: Unknown in wild; caterpillars have fed on flower buds of Albizia lebbeck (Fabaceae) in the lab.
Adult food: In Florida, nectar from flowers of ape's earring, Brazilian pepper, Guamachil, and shepherd's needle.
Habitat: Subtropical evergreen or semideciduous woods and hammocks.
Range: Southeastern Florida peninsula and Keys; larger Caribbean Islands.
