Description
The Acadian Hairstreak (Satyrium acadica) is a larger hairstreak with grayish wings, black spots on the interior of the hindwing, orange spots near the edge, and a large blue spot near the tails. They are typically found in wetlands, near willows which are their preferred larval host. The adults can be found swarming swamp milkweed.
Range
Statewide near wetlands. I’ve seen thousands at Carlos Avery WMA lower unit while walking the gravel roads.
Similar Species
Coral Hairstreak is similar but doesn’t have a tail, is generally darker brown, doesn’t have a blue spot at the base of the hindwing, and is more at home in prairie environments. Other gray hairstreaks are smaller and don’t have the row of orange spots on the edge of the hindwing.
Host Plants
Willow Species (Salix spp.)
Flight
July