Oak Hairstreak - Hodges#4331

Adult: upperside dark brown with dim orange spot near outer margin of forewing, and brighter orange spot near outer margin of hindwing between tails; underside light grayish-brown with jagged black and white line forming a W shape near margin of hindwing, distinctive tapering orange submarginal band, orange-capped black spot between tails, and large blue patch below tails at anal angle. As with many hairstreaks, antennae-like tails on hindwings are wiggled by gentle brushing together of the hindwings when the butterfly is at rest. Larva: small, sluglike, yellowish-green with green dorsal stripes and yellow lateral stripe. Regarding the common name, a PDF checklist (2nd edition, 2001) by the North American Butterfly Association states: Prior to the First Edition, almost all authors treated Satyrium favonius and Satyrium ontario as separate species, using the English names, southern hairstreak and northern hairstreak, respectively. When these taxa were lumped in the First Edition, the Committee tried to develop an acceptable English name for the combined taxa, but was unable to do so. The Committee then decided to use the name Southern Hairstreak for the lumped taxa. This has created quite a bit of confusion and awkwardness, causing people to refer to the 'Northern' Southern Hairstreak and 'Southern' Southern Hairstreak. In an attempt to make this situation clear, the Committee has decided to change the English name of this species to Oak Hairstreak. Satyrium favonius favonius is now the 'Southern' Oak Hairstreak and S. f. ontario is now the 'Northern' Oak Hairstreak. Vote 3-1. These names have not become popularized outside of NABA circles; most sources continue to call Satyrium favonius the Southern Hairstreak. In fact, even Jeffrey Glassberg of NABA retains the name Southern Hairstreak in this list of Mexican Butterflies published in September, 2005.