Hairstreaks (Subfamily Theclinae)

SUBFAMILY DESCRIPTION: Hairstreaks are members of the Family
Lycaenidae. Richest in tropical habitats, hairstreaks are numerous in
the Americas and comprise about 1,000 species. In tropical species,
the upperside of small to medium-sized adults is often iridescent blue,
due to reflected light from the wing scales. However, most of the North
American species are brown above. Migration is rare, but a few species
(such as the gray hairstreak) are good long-distance colonists. Males
perch to await mates, and females lay eggs singly. Caterpillars usually
feed on leaves or reproductive structures of woody trees or shrubs.
Interestingly, the chrysalids of several species can produce sounds
between their abdominal segments, likely related to their interactions
with ants. Hairstreaks typically overwinter in the egg or pupal stage.

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