Explanation of Names
Chlorostrymon simaethis (Drury, 1773)
Size
Small hairstreak, the size of an average blue.
Identification
Underwing is green (ranging from bright lime-green to dull greenish-brown) with straight white postmedian band. Wide maroon/brown trailing edge of HW. Dorsal, male is dark purple, female gray.
Range
CA-TX, FL / W. Indies / Mex. to Argentina -
Map (MPG, BOA)
Habitat
Thorn scrub, and dry woodland, usually found around balloon-vine.
Season
March to June and September to October.
Food
Caterpillars feed on immature seeds of Balloon-vines (Cardiospermum spp.). Adults feed on nectar of balloon vines and also Lantana spp. and various other plants with tiny flowers.
Life Cycle
The caterpillars, which hide within the Cardiospermum seed pods, reportedly secrete honeydew which attracts ants; the ants in tern defend the caterpillars from predators.
See Also
Amethyst Hairstreak
- Range: s. FL to W. Indies