Sandia Hairstreak (Callophrys mcfarlandi Ehrlich & Clench)
Wing span: 1 1/8 - 1 1/4 inches (2.9 - 3.2 cm).
Identification: Tailless. Upperside of male is brown; female is reddish brown with a narrow black border. Underside yellow-green; white postmedian line bordered with black toward the wing base.
Life history: Eggs are laid on flower stalks of the host plant. Caterpillars feed on flowers and fruits.
Flight: Two flights from May-June.
Caterpillar hosts: Beargrass (Nolina texana) in the agave family (Agavaceae).
Adult food: Nectar of host plant flowers.
Habitat: Yucca-agave desert.
Range: Very local: Southeast Colorado south through New Mexico and west Texas to northeast Mexico.
