Monday, July 6, 2015

Banded Hairstreak Butterfly

 I noticed this little fellow flitting around the garden.  Took a few tries to get a somewhat focused photo of him as he didn't like me getting too close.  I love his striped antenna and stockings.
I'm not sure why this butterfly is named "hairstreak", but I'm guessing it has something to do with the feathery streamers at the back of the lower wings.
The caterpillars like oak, hickory and walnut, especially butternut.  Alas, I think all our butternuts have died.  We do have hickory trees, so maybe that's what the caterpillars have been eating.

1 comment:

  1. I've never seen a butterfly like this. I'll have to look more carefully! We have butternuts here so I bet this little guy must be around. Thanks for the pics. Very cool find.

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