Red-banded Hairstreak

The red-banded hairstreak, Calycopis cecrops (Fabricius), is a very attractive butterfly and is one of our most common hairstreaks throughout the southeastern United States in dry open woods and wooded neighborhoods.

The red-banded hairstreak feeds on fallen leaves of sumac species and other trees. It lives near coastal areas. Its genome was sequenced in 2016. It has a false “head” that helps it avoid predators.

Wingspan: ranges from 0.9–1.25 inches.

Red-banded Hairstreak