Red-banded Hairstreak

 Here's a Red-banded Hairstreak. No other butterfly in our area has - wait for it - this particular red band.

The hairstreak butterflies have a clean, crisp overall appearance. Most hairstreaks are brown or gray, though some are primarily green. The only other hairstreak that I spot a lot is the Gray Hairstreak. Their are other butterflies in the hairstreak subfamily, many named "elfins". Though related, the elfins don't generally give off the same crisp ambiance.

Like the rest of the moths/butterflies, Red-banded Hairstreaks basically only eat as kids (caterpillars); apparently decaying sumac leaves are something they consider a delicacy. As adults they drink heavily instead; nectar is a popular choice.

August 15, 2020 at Negri Nepote Native Grassland Preserve


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