Soapberry Hairstreak (Phaeostrymon alcestis [W. H. Edwards])
Wing span: 1 - 1 1/2 inches (2.5 - 3.8 cm).
Identification: Upperside plain deep brown. Underside of both wings have cells with narrow white bars outlined in black. Postmedian band white, bold, and jagged.
Life history: Males patrol for females around the canopy. Females lay eggs singly on host plant twigs. Eggs overwinter and hatch in spring; caterpillars feed on leaves.
Flight: One flight from April-July.
Caterpillar hosts: Western soapberry (Sapindus saponaria var. drummondii).
Adult food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Desert foothill canyons, prairie valleys, hedgerows, woodlands, roadsides.
Range: Northeastern New Mexico and southeastern Arizona east to Kansas, south to Texas.
