Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

Muir's Hairstreak
Callophrys muiri (Hy. Edwards, 1881)


Family: Lycaenidae
Subfamily: Theclinae
Identification: Upperside of male is dark brown with dark orange patches on lower outer edges of wings; female is tawny with dark margins. Underside is dark purple-brown with an iridescent green sheen. Postmedian line is very irregular; dark toward the base of wing, white toward the outer margin. Blue-gray patch near hindwing margin contains 3-4 reddish spots; 3-4 small black spots are near this patch.
Wing Span: 7/8 - 1 inch (2.2 - 2.5 cm).
Life History: To seek females, males perch on host trees all day. Eggs are laid singly on tips of host plant leaves, which the caterpillars eat. Chrysalids hibernate.
Flight: One brood from April-May.
Caterpillar Hosts: Cypress, especially Sargent cypress (Cupressus sargentii) and MacNab's cypress (Cupressus macnabiana).
Adult Food: Nectar from flowers of wild lilac (Ceanothus) and other plants.
Habitat: Hilly, rocky areas.
Range: California\'s Coast Ranges from San Luis Obispo County north to Mendocino County; Guadeloupe Island, Mexico.
Conservation: This butterfly is of moderate concern. The Nature Conservancy Rank: T3 - Very rare or local throughout its range or found locally in a restricted range (21 to 100 occurrences). (Threatened throughout its range).
NCGR:
Management Needs: Conserve as many habitats as possible. Inventory and monitor populations.
Comments: NULL
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