Sheridan's Hairstreak

family Lycaenidae: Hairstreaks Behr's Hairstreak Brown Elfin Golden Hairstreak Gray Hairstreak Juniper Hairstreak Blue Butterfly Identification Types of Butterflies

Sheridan's Hairstreak (Callophrys sheridanii) is one of a handful of green hairstreaks found in the United States.

From a side view it looks similar to the Western Green Hairstreak (Callophrys affinis). Both species share overlapping territory in the Western United States, sometimes making field identification difficult.

Regional guides do not show the Western Green Hairstreak present in the area the picture was taken, therefore the Sheridan's Hairstreak identification is an educated guess.

Regional variations within species are also present. In some areas the white spots across the center of the wings are more pronounced white lines.

© 2008 Patricia A. Michaels