Home / Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae) / Colorado Hairstreak (Hypaurotis crysalus)

Colorado Hairstreak (Hypaurotis crysalus)

The Colorado Hairstreak is a purple butterfly found mostly in the oak scrublands between mid-June and August, and is the only species belonging to the genus Hypaurotis.

Scientific Classification

Family: Lycaenidae
Genus: Hypaurotis
Scientific Name: Hypaurotis crysalus

Description and Identification

Caterpillar

The mature larva is green in color with a segmented body that tapers towards both ends. Fine hair-like structures are present all over the body.

Pupa

The chrysalis is light brown with dark, haphazard spots. A streak in purple can also be seen on both sides of the body.

Adult Butterfly

Sexual Dimorphism:

Color and Appearance: When the wings are open, the upperside exhibits a dark purple to violet coloration along with a wide dark to black border. Both the wings bear orange spots around the lower outer corner. When the wings are closed, the lower side shows a pale to dark gray coloration with dark and white markings. There is also an orange patch by the margin of each forewing, as also an orange spot bearing a black spot at the center near the tail. Each of the hindwings bear a thin hairlike tail.

Average wingspan: 2.5-3.3 inches

Flight pattern: Average

Eggs

White in color, and laid one at a time on host plant leaves

Quick Facts
Distribution	Mostly found in Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and the Colorado Plateau states
Habitat	Typically found in the oak scrublands
Lifespan of adults	Around 2 weeks
Host plants	Prefers gambel oak (Quercus gambelii)
Adult diet	Adults prefer tree sap and probably honeydew secreted by other insects rather than from flowers