Juniper Hairstreak
(Callophrys gryneus)
Juniper Hairstreak sightings, by week (about)
Click to enlargeEast Dubuque area, Grant Co., WI. August 3, 2004.
Click to enlargeObservatory Hill SNA, Marquette Co., WI. June 17, 2003.
Click to enlargeObservatory Hill SNA, Marquette Co., WI. August 16, 2003.
Click to enlargeOcracoke Island, Hyde Co., NC. March 26, 2007.
The Juniper Hairstreak is found almost exclusively in areas with solid stands of Junipers. In Ebner’s book on the Butterflies of Wisconsin, remarks such as “rarely found near the ground” and “did not fly much unless disturbed” found me banging on many a Juniper tree and futilely looking up in the upper branches for any sign of this species. All individuals of this species that I have seen have been nectaring on flowers.
Identifying characteristics: Below the Juniper Hairstreak has green scaling on the hindwing and on the leading edge of the forewing. As can be seen from the two photos, the amount of green scaling can vary. The hindwing has a white postmedian line, with a darker brownish-red to the inside, similar in shape to that of the other Elfin’s in the state.
Similar species: No similar species in Wisconsin.
Habitat: Found in areas of dense stands of Juniper trees.
Flight: Two broods. This species can be found in late May through June, and then in late July into August. The top photo on the right was taken on June 17 and the second photo on August 16.
Abundance: Widely distributed throughout the southwestern corner of the state where its host plant, Juniper grows. This species, like the other Hairstreaks in the state, are rarely found in large numbers.
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Juniper Hairstreak
Callophrys gryneus