Bartram’s Scrub-Hairstreak

Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak (Strymon acis bartrami) is a federally endangered butterfly that is native to the pine rockland habitat of south Florida. At rest, this species is easy to recognize by the broad white bands with a black edge that can be seen when the wings are closed. Bartram’s scrub-hairstreaks seldom fly very far from their host plant, pineland croton (Croton linearis). Adults can be found every month of the year but are never very abundant in Everglades National Park (NP). Careful observers may also be able to spot caterpillars feeding in pine rockland habitat throughout the year.

The Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak once occurred in pine rockland habitat throughout Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. Over time, their populations have declined throughout their historic range and their distribution is now extremely limited. While no one is certain of the exact cause, the reasons for this decline may include destruction of pine rockland habitat, introduction of exotic plant and insect species, fire suppression or exclusion, use of insecticides for mosquito control, and collecting. Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak can still be found in a few pine rockland fragments in Miami-Dade County and on Big Pine Key in the lower Florida Keys.

Bartram’s Scrub-Hairstreak