Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak

family Lycaenidae: Hairstreaks Clytie Ministreak Dusky-blue Groundstreak Lantana Scrub-Hairstreak Red-Crescent Scrub-Hairstreak Silver-banded Hairstreak More Hairstreak Butterflies Butterfly Pictures and Information

The Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak (Strymon istapa) is a tropical hairstreak with a fairly stable population along the southern border of the United States, especially in South Texas.

The black spots on the hindwing are a good field identification clue. Compare it, for example, with the Red-Crescent Scrub-Hairstreak, which, except for the wing border area, lacks the black spots.

The caterpillars feed on plants in the mallow family, explaining the name.

© 2008 Patricia A. Michaels