Golden Hairstreak

family Lycaenidae: Hairstreaks Behr's Hairstreak Brown Elfin Clytie Ministreak Gray Hairstreak Juniper Hairstreak Sheridan's Hairstreak More Hairstreak Butterflies Butterfly Pictures

The Golden Hairstreak (Habrodais grunus) is the sole representative of the Habrodais genus in the United States.

Its range is primarily limited to woodland areas of Oregon, Washington and California that support species of oak, the larval food.

The top picture shows the butterfly puddling at gound level in the shade. The relatively plain gold wings and shorter than average tail make it easy to identify.

Golden Hairstreaks also perch above ground, on tree leaves and bushes. The yellow wings shining in the sun serve as a good initial field identification mark.

The bottom picture shows the dark border on the top of the wings.

© 2008 Patricia A. Michaels