Muir's Hairstreak (Callophrys muiri [Hy. Edwards])
Wing span: 7/8 - 1 inch (2.2 - 2.5 cm).
Identification: Upperside of male is dark brown with dark orange patches on lower outer edges of wings; female is tawny with dark margins. Underside is dark purple-brown with an iridescent green sheen. Postmedian line is very irregular; dark toward the base of wing, white toward the outer margin. Blue-gray patch near hindwing margin contains 3-4 reddish spots; 3-4 small black spots are near this patch.
Life history: To seek females, males perch on host trees all day. Eggs are laid singly on tips of host plant leaves, which the caterpillars eat. Chrysalids hibernate.
Flight: One brood from April-May.
Caterpillar hosts: Cypress, especially Sargent cypress (Cupressus sargentii).
Adult food: Nectar from flowers of wild lilac (Ceanothus) and other plants.
Habitat: Hilly, rocky areas.
Range: California's Coast Ranges from San Luis Obispo County north to Mendocino County; Guadeloupe Island, Mexico.
Conservation: This butterfly is of moderate concern.
The Nature Conservancy rank: T3 - Very rare or local throughout its range or found locally in a restricted range (21 to 100 occurrences). (Threatened throughout its range).
