Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Callophrys (Sandia) mcfarlandi P. Ehrlich & Clench, 1960. Type locality: Sandia Mountains, Bernalillo County, New Mexico
Sandia macfarlandi madreoriente K. Johnson, 1988. Type locality: Hwy. 57, 17 mi. se. Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico, 2270 m.
Identification
Green below with no tails, rounded wing margins, a bold postedian stripe across all wings - white edged rich brown, wing margins below edged black and white, hind wing with a row of black submarginal spots between white marginal and postmedian stripes. Top fairly even grayish to rusty brown.
Often flies with C. gryneus siva, and can be confused except for tails and zig-zag shape of the postmedian stripes of hind wings on that species. The Siva or Juniper Hairstreak is closely tied to Juniperus & Cupressus trees, which may grow with the Nolina.
Other tailless green hairstreaks are rare in the same areas, generally found at higher elevations, but if seen together would have none of the markings near the wing margins below, with the postmedian stripes below less bold, nearly absent on the front wings.
Range
se. Colorado (barely in state) south through New Mexico (mostly east of Rio Grande) and Trans-Pecos Texas to at least Nuevo Leon, Zacatecas, Durango (states), Mexico.
NW to w. TX / Mex. -
Map (MPG)
Habitat
Mostly rocky slopes, always where Nolina plants grow.
Season
adults emerge in early spring (flying mostly late February to early April, depending somewhat on location and weather), with an apparent second flight sometimes in May - June. It is unclear if this is a second emergence from overwintering individuals, or if it is an extended first flight. In many years there is no later flight, in some years the early flight may apparently be wiped out by unseasonable cold winter weather.
Food
Adults visit damp ground and avidly nectar at available flowers (including of their larval host plants - if in bloom). Larvae feed on Nolina texana (= N. greenei) and perhaps other closely related species in Mexico. They have not been verified to use any other species of Nolina in the U.S., though they may use certain closely related species in s. New Mexico and w. Texas.
Remarks
Usually numerous where found, and closely associated with their larval host plants. They rarely stray far from Nolina plants, but are attracted to nearby streamsides, puddles, sap, and flowers.
Print References
Ehrlich, P.R. and H.K. Clench. 1960. A new subgenus and species of
Callophrys (s.l.) from the Southwestern United States (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidea). Entomological News Philadelphia 71(6): 137-141.
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