Acadian Hairstreak (Satyrium acadica)

Description: This small butterfly is dark grey above, with an orange spot in posterior corner of hindwing. Below it is light grey, the forewing has prominent black spots, the hindwing has prominent black spots, an orange submarginal band, a blue spot in the posterior corner, and a single tail. Acadian Hairstreak is the only hairstreak in the Maritimes with black wing spots. Wingspan: 24 to 32 mm.

Maritime Distribution: Southern New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, northern mainland of Nova Scotia. For Atlas results click here.

Provincial Ranks: NB: S3. NS: S1. PEI: S1.

Flight Period: Early July to mid August.

Host Plant: Various willows (Salix spp.).

Notes: Acadian Hairstreak occurs in a variety of wet and dry habitats where small shrubby willows grow. It is highly localized and colonial, often occurring in the same place year after year, but it is seldom common. Colonies are rare despite the presence of suitable habitat. The adults sit on the leaves of the foodplant and also perch on coarse grasses.