Banded Hairstreak (Satyrium calanus)

Description: The uppersides of the wings are brown; the undersides are lighter brown with dark, white edged, with rectangular markings that form white margined bands. The hindwing has a prominent blue spot with no orange above it. It is similar to Striped Hairstreak, however in this species the dark markings on the underside of the wings are offset, not forming a regular band. Wingspan: 23 to 34 mm.

Maritime Distribution: Along the Saint John River from Fredericton north to Woodstock in New Brunswick, the Halifax area in Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. For Atlas results click here.

Provincial Ranks: NB: S2. NS: S2. PEI: S1.

Flight Period: Mid June to early August.

Host Plant: Butternut (Juglans cinerea) and oaks (Quercus spp.).

Notes: Banded Hairstreak is typically found associated with the forests that host their host plants. They are often observed nectaring, and should be sought at milkweed (Asclepias spp.) and sweetclover (Melilotus spp.) flowers. In the city of Halifax they can be found at garden flowers, particularly daisies, and flying near the tops of large oaks trees. In Fredericton they are found regularly along trails near large Butternut trees.