Banded Hairstreak
Satyrium calanus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Banded Hairstreak is known for its Small tail-like projections on hindwings.
Host plants
Banded Hairstreak caterpillars can only develop on their larval host plants. Plant one of these natives and you can host the full life cycle in your own yard (host plant associations per the Xerces Society (opens in new tab)).
Want Banded Hairstreak in your yard? Open Northern Red Oak in Pollinator Patch and plan an HOA-friendly garden around it for your region.
Family
Lycaenidae
Wingspan
22–35 mm
Active
June and July
Range
NY, OH, WI, PA and 32 more states
How to identify it
Look for small gray-brown wings with a series of dark bands and a small tail-like projection on the hindwings.
Good to know
- Larvae have a mutualistic relationship with ants that protect them from predators
- Males are highly territorial and perch on vegetation to attract females
- Their tail-like hindwing projections may help distract predators
Common questions
- What do Banded Hairstreak caterpillars eat?
- Banded Hairstreak caterpillars feed on Quercus rubra, Juglans nigra, and Carya ovata. These are the larval host plants the caterpillars must have to develop, per the Xerces Society and host plant records compiled from GBIF and iNaturalist.
- Where do Banded Hairstreak live?
- Banded Hairstreak is found across NY, OH, WI, PA and 32 more states.
- When are Banded Hairstreak active?
- Adult Banded Hairstreak are typically on the wing from June and July.
Range and life-history data compiled from iNaturalist, GBIF, and the Xerces Society. Photo licensed cc-by-nc.