Calycopis cecrops
Size:
Wingspan is 3/4 - 1 inch.
Similar Species:
Gray
Hairstreak although it is much larger.
Habitat:
Clearings, hedgerows, overgrown fields, brushy areas and woodland edges.
Range/Abundance:
Common to abundant
in coastal plain, sandhills and piedmont. Uncommon in the mountains.
Flight Period:
Adults fly from late March until late October in three broods with small
gaps between broods.
Larval Host Plants:
Staghorn Sumac Rhus typhina, Dwarf Sumac R. copallina. The
larva feed only on the detritus found in leaf litter preferably in a moist
environment.
Comments:
This tiny hairstreak is the region’s second most common hairstreak
species. But it is uncommon in northern portions of the region.
This hairstreak is easily overlooked because of the small size. When in
flight it displays blue on the upperside making for easy identification.
The top photo was taken in Franklin Co., NC on April 24, 2002. The center photo was taken in Orange Co., NC on August 09, 2002. The center rollover photo was taken in Dare Co., NC on September 14, 2002. The bottom photo was taken in Franklin Co., NC on April 24, 2002.
