Hedgerow Hairstreak (Satyrium saepium [Boisduval])
Wing span: 1 - 1 1/4 inches (2.5 - 3.2 cm).
Identification: Upperside metallic copper-brown. Forewing of male with black (sometimes pale) oval spot along leading edge. Underside brown with blue spot near tail; other markings not prominent.
Life history: Males perch on low vegetation. Females lay eggs singly on buds, leaves, and twigs of host plant. Eggs hatch the following spring; caterpillars eat buds and uppersides of leaves.
Flight: One flight from April-September.
Caterpillar hosts: Ceanothus species in the buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae).
Adult food: Flower nectar including yerba santa and wild buckwheats.
Habitat: Chaparral, open forest, brushy oak woodlands.
Range: British Columbia south through California into Baja California; east through northern Arizona to northern New Mexico, Colorado, and Montana.
