Red-Banded Hairstreak
ExploreInsects
Red-Banded Hairstreak
calycopis cecrops
The Red-Banded Hairstreak is a beautiful butterfly with striking red stripes on its wings. It loves to flutter around flowers, sipping sweet nectar during sunny days!
Habitat: Gardens, meadows, and open woodlands
Appearance
The Red-Banded Hairstreak is a small butterfly with dark, often brownish-gray upperwings and a striking dark gray underside. Its hindwings feature a vibrant reddish-orange band and delicate, hair-like tails that help distinguish it from other butterflies.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyLycaenidaeGenusCalycopis
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adults sip nectar using a long, straw-like tongue called a proboscis!
Its caterpillars wear tiny "head-caps" that they shed and sometimes eat!
Sometimes these tiny butterflies will perch upside down to hide from birds.
The red band on its wings warns some predators that it might taste bad.
Special abilities
Ability
Camouflage Cloak
Red-Banded Hairstreak has dull undersides with intricate patterns that help them blend seamlessly into their surroundings when resting.
Ability
Rapid Evasion
Red-Banded Hairstreak can fly with quick, erratic movements that make it incredibly hard for predators to catch them.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 25-38 mm
- Size
- 10-15 mm
- Lifespan
- 7-14 days
- Flight Speed
- 10-15 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adults drink flower nectar, while caterpillars munch on specific plant leaves.
Age differences: Larvae eat plant leaves, while adults drink nectar from flowers.
Primary Foods
- Flower nectar
- Sumac leaves
- Bayberry leaves
- Wax myrtle leaves
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
depends on
Winged Sumac
Rhus copallina
Caterpillars feed on its leaves for growth and development.
eaten by
Blue Jay
Cyanocitta cristata
A common bird predator that preys on butterflies.
pollinates
Common Milkweed
Asclepias syriaca
Adults visit flowers to drink nectar, aiding in pollination.
Traits
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Arboreal
Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
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
Cecrops HairstreakRed HairstreakRed-Banded Butterfly
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Red-Banded Hairstreak's wingspan?
25-38 mm
How big is Red-Banded Hairstreak?
10-15 mm
How long does Red-Banded Hairstreak live?
7-14 days
How fast can Red-Banded Hairstreak fly?
10-15 km/h
What does Red-Banded Hairstreak eat?
Adults drink flower nectar, while caterpillars munch on specific plant leaves.
Where is Red-Banded Hairstreak usually found?
Gardens, meadows, and open woodlands
How does Red-Banded Hairstreak hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Red-Banded Hairstreak have?
6
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Recent Snaps
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Where to spot
Park29 sightings13 species
Virginia, US
Chandon Park
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Park36 sightings7 species
Connecticut, US
Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park
You might spot Monarch, Common Milkweed, and Common Blue Violet.
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Park108 sightings5 species
Virginia, US
Raglan Road Park
You might spot Pinkladies, Hickories, and Japanese Aucuba.
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