Olive and Juniper Hairstreaks
Callophrys gryneus (Hubner, [1819])
Callophrys g. siva (W. H. Edwards, 1874)
Family: Lycaenidae
Status: Locally common resident
NENHP Rank: S3,Tier 2
Range: Subspecies gryneus is found from the New England states south almost to Florida and west to southern Minnesota, Nebraksa and most of Texas. In Nebraska it is currently found in the southern half of the state west to Frontier County. Subspecies siva inhabits an area from Montana and western North Dakota south into Mexico. In Nebraska it has been found in the western half of the state.
Larval Hostplant(s): Cedars/junipers
Broods/Flight Times: Multiple broods from early April into late September, becoming less numerous as the season progresses.
Overwintering: As pupae
Habitat: In association with junipers in shelterbelts and pastures.
Avg. Wingspan: 1 – 1 1/4 inches
Found at: Harlan County Reservoir, Niobrara Valley Preserve, I-80 East Sidney Rest Area, Indian Cave SP, Fontenelle Forest, Gilbert-Baker, Table Rock & Box Elder and Four Mile Creek SWMAs, Ash Hollow SHP, I-80 mm1, Wildcat Hills SRA
Similar Species:
Notes: These two butterflies have been treated both as subspecies of grynea and as separate species. Subspecies grynea is more olive colored dorsally with white markings in the basal area of the ventral hind wing. Second and third generations of grynea are sometimes brown colored dorsally. Subspecies siva is generally more cinnamon colored dorsally with the basal ventral hind wing immaculate. Genetic studies continue which may provide evidence of yet a third species in Nebraska. grynea is southeastern in origin while siva is western. They have been expanding their range in the state as cedars proliferate and have now both been found at several locations in the state.
