Mitoura grynea
Also called
Juniper Hairstreak, Callophrys grynea
Size:
Wingspan is 7/8 - 1 inch.
Similar Species:
Hessel's Hairstreak
Habitat:
Old fields, dry hillsides, powerline cuts
and disturbed areas with juniper nearby.
Range/Abundance:
Uncommon in the
eastern piedmont to rare in the coastal plain. Rare in northeastern
WV.
Flight Period:
Adults fly from late March until early September in two or three broods.
Larval Host Plants:
Eastern Red Cedar Juniperus virginiana and Southern
Red Cedar J. salicicola
Comments:
NABA calls this Juniper Hairstreak Callophrys gryneus, yet some
experts explain that is a western species not found in the east.
This hairstreak is very fond of mints like mountain
mint. Can be common some years and very rare other years. In 2002 it was
nearly a bust year for the species in our region, the first brood was
not reported and the second brood had only a few reports.
The top photo was taken in Durham Co., NC on August 09,
1999. The second photo was taken in Caswell Co., NC on April 27, 2001.
The rollover photo at right was taken in Caswell Co., NC on May 05, 2000.
The third and bottom photos were taken along Catawba Creek in Botetourt
Co., VA on April 24, 2003.
