ExploreInsects

Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak

Strymon istapa

The Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak is a small, colorful butterfly that flutters around flowers. It has beautiful blue and orange patterns on its wings, making it a lovely sight in gardens and fields.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak has dull gray-brown wings on top, but the undersides are pale gray to white with a distinctive broken orange band. Each hindwing features two small black spots and delicate, thin tails that give it a unique look.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyLycaenidaeGenusCallicista
Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak
camouflaged trait badgecolorful trait badgegrassland trait badgeherbivorous trait badge
Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Its tiny tails and spots on its hindwings often fool birds into pecking the wrong end!

Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak caterpillars are super picky, only munching on mallow plants to grow!

These dazzling butterflies can be spotted flying around year-round in sunny, warm places like Florida!

They often land with their wings closed tight to show off their unique underside patterns!

Special abilities

Ability

False Head Defense

Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak has tiny tails and eye-spots on its hindwings that mimic a false head to fool predators into attacking the wrong end.

Ability

Camouflage Cloak

Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak has pale gray-brown undersides that help it blend perfectly with dry leaves and bark in its habitat.

Ability

Rapid Evasion

Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak can fly quickly and erratically, making it difficult for birds and other predators to catch them.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
20-30 mm
Size
10-15 mm
Lifespan
15-30 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adults sip nectar from flowers, while caterpillars munch exclusively on mallow leaves.

Age differences: Larvae (caterpillars) feed on mallow plant leaves, whereas adult butterflies drink nectar from various flowers.

Primary Foods

  • Nectar
  • Mallow leaves
  • Sida flowers
  • Malvaviscus flowers
  • Hibiscus flowers

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

depends on

Little Mallow

Malva parviflora

Larvae feed exclusively on its leaves.

depends on

Arrowleaf Sida

Sida rhombifolia

A crucial host plant for caterpillars.

eaten by

Blue Jay

Cyanocitta cristata

A common bird predator of butterflies.

pollinates

Chinese Hibiscus

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Adults visit its flowers for nectar.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Butterflies are gentle and safe to watch, but don't try to catch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak's wingspan?

20-30 mm

How big is Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak?

10-15 mm

How long does Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak live?

15-30 days

What does Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak eat?

Adults sip nectar from flowers, while caterpillars munch exclusively on mallow leaves.

Where is Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak usually found?

Grasslands

How does Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak have?

6

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

Where to spot

More Insects