Oak Hairstreak
Satyrium favonius

Oak Hairstreak is rare to uncommon statewide. It occurs in two subspecies: Satyrium favonius ontario occurs from the Fall Line northward to the TN/NC line in deciduous woods with a substantial component of oaks, but it is rare, or rarely seen. Recent research in Massachusetts reveals that S. f. ontario spends much of its time unseen in the treetops of White Oak (Quercus alba) and Post Oak (Quercus stellata) sipping sweet secretions from oak galls (Entomology Today.org, 2016). Satyrium favonius favonius occurs on the Coastal Plain where it is uncommon and on the Coast where it is locally common, especially on the barrier islands. The hostplants are various species of Oak (Quercus spp.) In Bartow County, S. f. ontario has been documented mating on Southern Red Oak (Quercus falcata). Satyrium f. favonius females have been documented on Sand Live Oak (Quercus geminata) near the Coast, and also use Southern Live Oak (Quercus virginiana). Specimens of S. f. ontario from Decatur County may represent the subspecies S. f. autolycus that occurs in Texas due to the “orange areas on the surface of the wings”(Harris, 1972). There is one brood in late April and May, with S. f. ontario extending into early June in the Mountains. Early Date: April 26 (Richmond County); Late Date: June 9 (Whitfield County). Conservation Status: Secure.