Acadian Hairstreak
ExploreInsects
Acadian Hairstreak
Satyrium acadica
The Acadian Hairstreak is a small butterfly with beautiful blue and brown colors. It loves to flutter around flowers and is often found in forests and meadows.
Habitat: Forests and meadows
Appearance
The Acadian Hairstreak has dark brown upper wings, sometimes with a subtle orange patch on the hindwing. Its underside is light gray, marked by a distinct white line edged with black, and features two prominent orange spots with black centers on its hindwings, alongside delicate hair-like tails.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyLycaenidaeGenusStrymon
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adult Acadian Hairstreaks typically live for just two short weeks in the summer!
Its larvae only eat leaves from willow trees, making them very picky eaters!
The tiny 'tails' on their wings help confuse predators about which way to attack.
These butterflies are often found fluttering near wet, marshy areas and stream banks.
Special abilities
Ability
False Head Deception
Acadian Hairstreak has tiny tails and eye-spots on its hindwings that trick predators into attacking the wrong end, allowing it to escape.
Ability
Willow Wizard
Acadian Hairstreak larvae can digest tough willow leaves because they possess special enzymes, turning a common plant into food.
Ability
Nectar Finder
Acadian Hairstreak can locate specific flowering plants to drink nectar because of its keen vision and specialized antennae.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 25-35 mm
- Size
- 12-18 mm
- Lifespan
- 10-14 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Larvae eat willow leaves, while adults sip nectar from various summer flowers for energy.
Age differences: Larvae feed exclusively on willow leaves, while adults switch to consuming flower nectar and tree sap.
Primary Foods
- Salix nigra (Black Willow) leaves
- Asclepias syriaca (Common Milkweed) nectar
- Apocynum cannabinum (Dogbane) nectar
- Chamaedaphne calyculata (Leatherleaf) nectar
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
Black Willow
Salix nigra
Larvae feed on leaves
pollinates
Dogbane
Apocynum cannabinum
Adults collect nectar
eaten by
Cross Orbweaver
Aranaeus diadematus
Caught in spider webs
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always watch butterflies from a distance so they feel safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Acadian Hairstreak's wingspan?
25-35 mm
How big is Acadian Hairstreak?
12-18 mm
How long does Acadian Hairstreak live?
10-14 days
What does Acadian Hairstreak eat?
Larvae eat willow leaves, while adults sip nectar from various summer flowers for energy.
Where is Acadian Hairstreak usually found?
Forests and meadows
How does Acadian Hairstreak hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Acadian Hairstreak have?
6
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