Description
The Edwards’ Hairstreak (Satyrium edwardsii) is a small butterfly with grayish-brown wings featuring dark spots ringed with white, and orange spots and a large blue spot near the tail, commonly found in oak savannas and dry woodlands across parts of eastern and central North America.
Range
Statewide except the northeast corner of the state. I’ve mainly seen them near scrubby bur oaks in prairies and barrens flying with Banded Hairstreaks.
Similar Species
Banded Hairstreak does not have discrete spots on the forewing, and instead has bands not usually surrounded by white borders. Edwards has discrete spots ringed with white.
Host Plants
Oaks (Quercus spp)
Flight
Late-June and July