Coral Hairstreak
(Satyrium titus)
Coral Hairstreak sightings, by week (about)
Click to enlargePlainfield TriCounty School Forest, Waushara Co., WI. July 27, 2003.
Click to enlarge4 miles West of Wautoma, Waushara Co., WI. July 20, 2002.
Click to enlargeGrand River Marsh Wildlife Area, Marquette Co., WI. July 7, 2005.
A fresh Coral Hairstreak on Butterfly Weed is an often photographed image. Eight out of 20 photos on a recent Google Image search resulted in a photo of the Coral Hairstreak nectaring on this plant. Although it uses a variety of nectaring sources it seems to be most attracted to this plant. Like many of the Hairstreaks in Wisconsin, you will seldom see this species wth its wings open, but instead you are welcomed by the vivid orange (coral) spot band below that gives this species its common name.
Identifying characteristics: Above this species is brownish-gray with no tail. Below it is characterized by the lack of a tail, a very pronounced coral band on the outer margin and a variety of black spots and dashes that are all bordered by white. Male and females are essentially alike but females have more wings that are more rounded.
Similar species: This species could be mistaken for an Acadian Hairstreak, but the Acadian Hairstreak has tails which the Coral lacks.
Habitat: Can be found in a variety of habitats where Wild Cherry and Plum, the main host plants of this species, are found.
Flight: Late June to early August.
Abundance: This species is found throughout Wisconsin, but is not usually found in great numbers.
Recent Coral Hairstreak Sightings
| Date seen | County | Reported by |
|---|---|---|
| 07–31–2008 | Wood | Ron Arnold |
| 07–29–2008 | Door | Tom Poklen |
| 07–27–2008 | Green Lake | Mike Reese |
| 07–26–2008 | Portage | Ron Arnold |
| 07–26–2008 | Wood | Ron Arnold |
| 07–26–2008 | Marquette | Mike Reese, David Reese |
| 07–24–2008 | Buffalo | Marcie O’Connor, Dave Hanson, Mike Reese |
| 07–23–2008 | Crawford | Mike Reese |
| 07–23–2008 | Wood | Ron Arnold |
| 07–20–2008 | Bayfield | Ryan Brady |
| 07–19–2008 | Ozaukee | Kevin Brown |
| 07–19–2008 | Iowa | Ann Thering and Dave Eide |
| 07–19–2008 | Shawano | Rose Tiegs |
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Coral Hairstreak
Satyrium titus