Back in August (13th) Eli Weber was camping at Indian Cave State Park in Richardson County when a White M Hairstreak came to visit him, perching on his tent. This is the fifth record and third locality for this butterfly in the state, the other two being in Bellevue and Lincoln. Three records are from August with one each from June and October. Steve Spomer has reported that there is a spring brood in the Kansas City area which we have not yet seen in Nebraska.
This butterfly is widely distributed in eastern North America, with breeding populations being documented nearby in Iowa and Missouri. It’s larvae feed on oaks (Quercus). It’s status (stray, breeding stray or resident) in Nebraska is unknown at this time. At first glance it might be mistaken as being a Gray Hairstreak. So, if you live in/visit southeastern Nebraska and are near oak trees be aware of the possibility of finding it. With so few records each sighting is significant. Great find Eli!!
