Hickory Hairstreak

Satyrium caryaevorum

Ebner did not list the Hickory Hairstreak in the Butterflies of Wisconsin in 1970. The Hickory Hairstreak, like the Northern Crescent and Canadian Tiger Swallowtail, are newly recognized species, and undoubtedly there is still much to be learned about their Wisconsin distribution. The Banded Hairstreak pictured in Ebner’s book is actually a very typical Hickory Hairstreak.

Identifying characteristics

This species is similar in size to the other Wisconsin Hairstreaks. Below, the postmedian band is wide and offset, with white on both edges of the bands, and a blue spot that extends to the postmedian band on the hindwing.

Similar species

The Hickory Hairstreak is most similar to the Banded Hairstreak. The postmedian band of the forewing in the Hickory Hairstreak is thicker, more offset, and has white on both sides of the band. The blue spot of the Hickory extends farther into the wing than the blue spot on the Banded Hairstreak. This can be very difficult to discern, so you may want to look for the difference in the comparative size of the orange-capped spot directly above it, which is noticeably smaller in the Banded than the blue spot in the Hickory Hairstreak.

The Striped Hairstreak has much wider and offset bands, and an orange cap on the blue spot on the hind wing beneath. The Hickory and the Banded Hairstreaks do not have this orange cap on the blue spot.

Habitat

Clearings and woodland edges especially where Hickory, its preferred host plant grows. This species is also reported to feed on Walnut, Oak, and Ash.

Flight

One brood, from late June through July.

Abundance

The Hickory Hairstreak is not a common species in Wisconsin, but may be found throughout the state. This species, like the Banded and Edwards’ Hairstreaks have outbreaks where they may become locally abundant.

Early Hickory Hairstreak Sightings

Date	County	Reported by
Jun 15, 2021	Grant	Donna M Williams-Richter
Jun 15, 2021	Dane	Mary Jo Sundling
Jun 17, 2015	Dunn	Pam Campbell
Jun 18, 2010	Dane	Ann Thering
Jun 19, 2015	Dunn	Pam Campbell

Locations