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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

7

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

How to identify Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak?

The easiest way to identify Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

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

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