Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

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Santa Barbara Field Guides - Butterflies
Lepidoptera
   Lycaenidae

     Satyrium saepium
     Hedgerow Hairstreak


upperside
underside

Size: wingspread .8-1.25 in.
Recognition: Brown- orange to orange-red; male has shorter tail than female.
Flight period: Adults are active from May to July.
Hostplants: The larvae feed on various wild lilacs and buckbrush (Ceanothus species).
Habitat: Can be found in scrubby foothill and mountain areas.
Distribution: They range from southern British Columbia south through parts of the western U.S., including southern California. They are common in the foothills and mountains of southern California and fly on Santa Cruz Island as early as April.

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