Edwards’ Hairstreak
June 2026
The Edwards’ Hairstreak (Satyrium edwardsii) is a fairly light gray/brown hairstreak with a line of small, bold, oval-shaped markings along the middle of the ventral-side forewing and hindwing. There is quite a bit of orange near the hindwing edge and a blue semi-oval with just a bit of orange on the inner part. The small oval markings as compared with bands of markings on similar hairstreaks, paired with the little orange edge on the blue portion, are a great field mark combo to confidently identify this species.
June 2026
I was finally able to track down these hairstreaks in 2026 and had an absolutely incredible experience with them. Eight or more Edwards’ Hairstreaks were chasing around a beautiful stand of Scrub Oak (their host plant) and landing on leaf perches, twigs, and flowers. The whole scene was incredible - especially after hoping to find them for so long.
June 2026
This was an absolutely stunning feat!! The Edwards’ Hairstreaks were clinging to the oak leaves as they where whipped around in the strong wing. The butterflies were angling their closed wings to mitigate the power of the gusts and stay streamlined, so they could remain perched to defend their territory!! I absolutely love this image and I’m amazed at how well-adapted and persistent this species is.
June 2026
This Edwards’ was very intently feeding on some Dogbane flowers and I thought I’d ease my hand close by as many butterflies will puddle on sweat. Sure enough, it slowly crawled from the flower to my finger the first time, and after flying off, literally jumped to my finger a second time as I moved toward the flower. It was so cute!! Just remember to only let butterflies puddle on you if there is no lotion, sunscreen etc on your skin as it can be absorbed through the proboscis.
