| The Coral Hairstreak is one of a dozen or so very similar butterflies. This is the only hairstreak with that row of coral-colored spots without tails. Life Cycle: Eggs overwinter. Caterpillar covered with fine silken hairs, yellow-green underneath, feeds on wild cherry, plum, and serviceberry. One brood, usually July. Habitat: Meadows and fields, roadsides, brushy clearings. I found this specimen nectaring on Milkweed, near the West Branch of the DuPage River in Northern Illinois. These butterflies are quite rare here.
Similar species: Edward's Hairstreak, Hickory Hairstreak, California Hairstreak, Striped Hairstreak and Banded Hairstreak. |
