Observation date: June 09, 2017
Submitted by: Allen Belden
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: Amethyst Hairstreak(s) seen on four days: June 5 and 7-9. All sightings were either between 7:00am and 9:00am or between 5:00pm and 7:00pm. (They were sought at most other times of day.) All sightings were within a 50 square foot area of mangrove thicket adjacent to a small tropical hardwood hammock. At least one female (appeared bright blue in flight due to blue dorsum) and one male (appeared dull in flight) were observed and probably no more than two total; only one individual was seen during any given time. Nectaring was observed at the tops of the tallest (10-12 feet) Black Mangroves (Avicennia germinans) and usually well concealed among the leaves. A male nectared briefly in open-wing position, revealing a deep violet dorsum. A female was observed apparently checking out egg-laying sites on White Mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa), although no egg was found.
Status: Resident
Verified by: John Calhoun
Verified date: June 26, 2017
Coordinator notes: Great sighting!
