Juniper Hairstreak

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

Identifying a Juniper Hairstreak (Callophrys gryneus) butterfly tends to get complicated because of within species diversity.

The name Juniper Hairstreak derives from the larval food source, juniper trees. The adult butterflies sip nectar from a variety of flowers.

The North American Butterfly Association (NABA) lists seven different subspecies, each with slightly different looks.

• Olive Juniper Hairstreak - Callophrys gryneus gryneus
• Sweadner's Juniper Hairstreak - Callophrys gryneus sweadneri
• Siva Juniper Hairstreak - Callophrys gryneus siva
• Nelson's Juniper Hairstreak - Callophrys gryneus nelsoni
• Muir's Juniper Hairstreak - Callophrys gryneus muiri
• Loki Juniper Hairstreak - Callophrys gryneus loki
• Thorne's Juniper Hairstreak - Callophrys gryneus thornei

The top picture shows the Nelson's Hairstreak, which, in good sun, is fairly easy to identify by the purple shades on the wings.

The bottom picture shows the Siva Juniper Hairstreak, characterized by the green shading on the wings.

© 2003 Patricia A. Michaels