Banded Hairstreak
Satyrium calanus (Hubner, [1809])
Family: Lycaenidae
Status: Uncommon resident
NENHP Rank: S2S3 Tier 2
Range: The Banded Hairstreak is found in the eastern half of the United States and southern Canada and in the Rocky Mountains from southern Wyoming into New Mexico and eastern Utah. In Nebraska it ahs been found in the eastern half of the state, following the Niobrara and Republican River valleys west as far as Cherry and Furnas Counties.
Larval Hostplant(s): Oaks
Broods/Flight Times: One flight in late June through early July.
Overwintering: As an egg.
Habitat: Oak woodland margins, often east facing.
Avg. Wingspan: 1 – 1 1/2 inches.
Found at: Niobrara Valley Preserve, Scotia Chalk Mine, Fontenelle Forest, Indian Cave State Park, Prairie Knoll SWMA
Similar Species: Striped Hairstreak
Notes: Males often perch on oak branches and pursue passing butterflies. Beating branches can be productive.
Banded Hairstreak, Niobrara Valley Preserve, Jonathan Nikkila
