Hessel's hairstreak

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Callophrys hesseli

Type: invertebrate

Status:

Species Guide

Hessel's hairstreak

Callophrys hesseli

Species Type: invertebrate

Conservation Status:

IDENTIFICATION

The Hessel’s hairstreak is a tailed butterfly with wingspan on 2.5-2.8 cm. They are reddish brown with a mint-green overlay. Their white spots are surrounded by patches of red-brown and their forewing’s white spot is offset of the other spots. Commonly misidentified as the juniper hairstreak, they are distinguishable by that front most white spot and the Hessel’s has an overall more frosted appearance. The larvae are a bluish-green with dorsal and lateral white bars on each segment.

Distribution & Habitat

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT

This species’ range is scattered along the Atlantic coast from southern Maine to the Florida panhandle. The greatest density of Hessel’s hairstreaks is found in New Jersey. They exclusively inhabit Atlantic white cedar swamps and bogs. Typically found within 30 miles of the coast, the Pine Barrens and Delaware Bay area are two of the most frequent occurrences of this species. They are absent from inland isolated cedar swamps in places like northern New Jersey, preferring the southern portion of the state. Hessel’s hairstreaks do not often stray from cedar swamps and may only do so to feed on nearby flowers.

Diet

DIET

Adult Hessel’s hairstreaks prefer flower nectar. In New Jersey, they are most often found at the blossoms of box sandmyrtle and black chokeberry. In other portions of their range, they will feed on a variety of flower blossoms. Flight seasons of Hessel’s hairstreak nicely coincides with the blooming of many flower and tree species. The larvae or caterpillars are restricted to Atlantic white cedar new growth and old foliage.

Life Cycle

LIFE CYCLE

Males of this species perch on the tops of Atlantic white cedars to seek females during the beginning of May. After mating, females lay their eggs on branch tips. The egg stage is brief and larvae occur almost immediately for 4-6 weeks. The pupae diapause from July to the following May under loose bark. Adults are most frequently observed while feeding in morning or late afternoon. On particularly hot days, they can be observed through all periods of the day.

Scientific Classification

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Arthropoda
  • Class: Insecta
  • Order: Lepidoptera
  • Family: Lycaenidae
  • Genus: Callophrys
  • Species: C. hesseli