Alabama Butterfly Atlas

Oak Hairstreaks produce only one brood per year and are the earliest of the satyrium hairstreaks to take wing. There are two distinct subspecies, northern (Satyrium favonious ontario) and southern (S. favonius favonius), which have at times been considered separate species. In Alabama, 'northern' Oak Hairstreaks are considered rare, and sightings usually consist of a single butterfly. The row of orange spots that moves up the hindwing edge is very short, sometimes only appearing as a spot or two. These butterflies are typically found in the northern two-thirds of the state.  'Southern' Oak Hairstreaks inhabit the southern Coastal Region, where Oak Hairstreaks tend to be more prevalent. The row of orange spots on their hindwings is exaggerated and much more noticeable.

Oak Hairstreaks are aptly named--oaks are their only known hosts. Caterpillars hatch from eggs that were laid the previous summer and eat developing oak catkins (flower spikes). Chrysalides are formed near the base of the tree or in leaf litter.  Adults emerge in May and June.  They lay eggs near tight buds that will provide food the following spring.  The rusty brown egg color allows them to remain camouflaged throughout the winter.

Oak Hairstreaks are an enigma.  Their range is statewide, their known host plants are common trees, but sightings are spotty, and colonies seem transient.  Part of the explanation may be that they spend much of their day in the treetops, so good binoculars and good neck muscles are needed to see them.