# 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. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 7 - **Habitat:** Grasslands ![Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Mallow_Scrub-hairstreak_-_Strymon_istapa%252C_Picayune_Strand_State_Forest%252C_Naples%252C_Florida%252C_December_9%252C_2021_%2852886274449%29.jpg&width=800) Photo: Judy Gallagher, CC BY 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mallow_Scrub-hairstreak_-_Strymon_istapa%252C_Picayune_Strand_State_Forest%252C_Naples%252C_Florida%252C_December_9%252C_2021_%2852886274449%29.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Lycaenidae - **Genus:** Callicista ## 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 - **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. - **Camouflage Cloak:** Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak has pale gray-brown undersides that help it blend perfectly with dry leaves and bark in its habitat. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) — A common bird predator of butterflies. - **Pollinates:** Chinese Hibiscus (*Hibiscus rosa-sinensis*) — Adults visit its flowers for nectar. ## Traits - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## 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? Compare the wing outline, spots, bands, eyespots and wing edges. The underside can look completely different from the top. Check for tails, the antennae and where the markings sit instead of relying on color alone. Butterfly Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## Where to spot - [Bay Shore Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/bay-shore-historic-district) — Florida, US · Historic District - [Gruene](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/gruene) — Texas, US · Historic District - [Homestead Historic Downtown District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/homestead-historic-downtown-district) — Florida, US · Historic District - [National Butterfly Center](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/national-butterfly-center) — Texas, US · Nature Reserve - [San Antonio Botanical Garden](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/san-antonio-botanical-garden) — Texas, US · Botanical Garden - [Cayo Costa State Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/cayo-costa-state-park) — Florida, US · State Park [View all places to see Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/mallow-scrub-hairstreak) ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/mallow-scrub-hairstreak)