Satyrium calanus


Satyrium calanus, the banded hairstreak, is a butterfly in the family Lycaenidae.

Appearance, behavior, and distribution

The banded hairstreak is a common hairstreak east of the Rocky Mountains in North America. It is a territorial butterfly that will challenge other butterflies invading its territory.

Subspecies

Listed alphabetically:
  • S. c. albidus Scott, 1981
  • S. c. calanus
  • S. c. falacer
  • ''S. c. godarti''

Life cycle

Eggs are laid singly on the host plants and hatch in the spring. There is a single brood that flies early June to late August.

Host plants

Host plants include oak, hickory, and walnut.

Similar species