220 Records

The Juniper Hairstreak (Callophrys gryneus) is a small, nickel-sized butterfly, a subtly beautiful pastel green on the underside of its wings, normally the only side visible. Like most lycaenids, it usually keeps its wings folded shut over its back. As its name would suggest, Juniper Hairstreak is partial to junipers (Juniperus sp.), a genus with one extant species in Maryland, the Eastern Red Cedar. The hairstreak is closely associated with its host tree, and consequently, is normally found in field or on hillsides with red cedars. The butterfly is found locally, with the spring brood flying in April, and a second brood active in July (Butterflies of Maryland: A Biological Summary and Checklist by Lynn Davidson & Richard Smith; Brock & Kaufman 2003; Allen 1997).

The larval food plant is Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana).