Colorado Hairstreak
(Hypaurotis crysalus)
Hairstreaks and Elfins
Appearance: Above, black and iridescent purple with orange patches in the dark lower margins of both wings. Below, brownish-gray with several fine white stripes in the hindwing cell area. A blue iridescence to the marginal band and orange spots with black centers in front of the tail.
Wingspan: Small; 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches.
Habitat: Foothills canyons and hillsides where Gambel Oak is found; foothills, montane.
Flight Times: Late June to August; one brood.
Larval Foodplant: Gambel Oak.
Did You Know…
This is the Colorado state insect. Adults do not go to flowers, but feed on tree sap and aphid honeydew.
