Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Mitoura hesseli Rawson & Ziegler, 1950. Type locality: Lakehurst, Ocean County, New Jersey
Callophrys hesseli (Rawson & Ziegler)
Mitoura hesseli angulata Gatrelle, 2001. Type locality: nr Aiken State Park, Aiken County, South Carolina
Callophrys hesseli angulata (Gatrelle)
Explanation of Names
Patronym for American lepidopterist
Sidney A. Hessel (1907-1974). See Remarks for more information.
Identification
Very similar to Juniper Hairstreak - Callophrys (Mitoura) gryneus. Distinguished by close association with a different larval host plant and by coloration. In this species the white markings on the underside are often more striking with stronger reddish brown borders, and are more irregularly arranged on the hind wing, creating a more checkered appearance. The two spots near the base of the hind wing are typically more crescent-shaped. The white band on the front wing is usually nearly straight in C. gryneus, and usually distinctly offset in C. hesseli.
Range
Occurs within the natural distribution of the larval host plant, primarily on the Gulf and Atlantic coastal plain from Louisiana to Maine.
Food
Larval host is Atlantic Whitecedar (Atlantic Cypress) - Chamaecyparis thyoides
Remarks
From the original description (Rawson & Ziegler, 1950):
"We take pleasure in naming the new species in honor of Mr. Sidney A. Hessel, of Woodmere, N. Y., an enthusiastic collector and student of the Lepidoptera, in whose genial company we took our spring series."
More on Hessel from an
Internet source:
"Sidney A. Hessel, (1907-1974) was a resident of Washington Connecticut. A rubber importer, Mr. Hessel was also an amateur lepidopterist who discovered a butterfly variety that was named Hessel's Hairstreak."
Yale University Archives gives biographical information: "Hessel, Sidney Adolphus, 01/01/1907-01/01/1974". However the birth and death days do not look accurate.
Gordh and Headrick
(1) list a brief obituary in News of the Lepidopterist's Society 1974(5):9, available from
Yale University:
OBITUARY
Sidney A. Hessel
Just before publication, word came of the death of Sidney Hessel, on November 11. He had been in good health until October 16, when he had emergency surgery, and never fully recovered. Sidney Hessel was a charter member of the Lepidopterists' Society and a strong force in its formation and progress. His counsel will sorely be missed. Most recently, he had served as editor of the Memoirs, and handled back issue supplies and orders. More details will follow in a later issue.
Print References
Rawson, George W. & Ziegler, J. Benjamin (June, 1950) "A New Species of Mitoura Scudder from the Pine Barrens of New Jersey (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae)". Journal of the New York Entomological Society. LVIII(2): 69-80. (
BHL link)
