Bartram's Scrub-Hairstreak (Strymon acis [Drury])
Wing span: 7/8 - 1 1/8 inches (2.2 - 2.9 cm).
Identification: Hindwing with 1 long and 1 short tail. Upperside dark gray. Underside light gray. Hindwing with wide straight postmedian band of white edged with black; 2 white spots near base of wing.
Life history: Eggs are laid singly on flower stalks of host plant. Young caterpillars eat upperside of leaves, flowers, and fruits; older caterpillars feed on leaves.
Flight: Three to four flights in Florida from February-November.
Caterpillar hosts: Narrow-leafed croton (Croton linearis) in the Euphorbiaceae family.
Adult food: Nectar from flowers of narrow-leafed croton and shepherd's needle.
Habitat: Pine forest openings.
Range: Southern Florida and the Keys, West Indies.
