The Butterflies of the World Foundation

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Sheridan’s Hairstreak

Callophrys sheridanii, W. H. Edwards, 1877

Subfamily Theclinae

Tribe Eumaeini

Taxonomy

The family Lycaenidae is a large and varied worldwide group that has 4,000 to 6,000 species depending on the ever-changing taxonomic flux.  They are collectively called Gossamer Butterflies or Gossamer Wings.  The family is further divided into eight subfamilies.  The first is the Theclinae which includes the Hairstreaks, Sunstreaks, Elfins and others.  The second is the Polyommatinae which includes the Blues, Azures, Arguses, Caeruleans and others.  The third subfamily is the Lycaeninae which includes the Coppers, Sapphires, Silverlines and others.  The forth is the Poritiinae which includes the gems.  The fifth is the Miletinae which includes the Brownies, Harvesters, Darkies, Apeflies and others.  The sixth is the Curetinae which includes the Sunbeams.  The seventh family is the Lipteninae which includes about 500 tropical rainforest gossamer wings.  The eighth and final subfamily is the Liphyrinae and includes the Moth Butterflies.

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Callophrys sheridanii, near Grassy Butte, Little Missouri National Grassland, McKenzie County, North Dakota, 23 April 2005                                              Ref #:  I-295-11.4

Callophrys sheridanii, near Grassy Butte, Little Missouri National Grassland, McKenzie County, North Dakota, 23 April 2005                                               Ref #:  I-296-3.12

Callophrys sheridanii, near Grassy Butte, Little Missouri National Grassland, McKenzie County, North Dakota, 23 April 2005                                                   Ref #:  I-297-7

Callophrys sheridanii, Makoshiko State Park, Wibaux County, Montana, 1 May 2004

                                                                                              Ref #:  I-228-10.8

General Information:

Callophrys sheridanii belongs to the subfamily Theclinae.  It’s range includes much of the western half of the U.S.  It is found in sagebrush scrub, woodlands and subalpine scree.

Lifecycle:

The larval food plant for this early spring species are various buckwheats Eriogonum sp.  Males perch to wait for females in gulch bottoms.  Females lay eggs singly on host plant leaves.  Caterpillars eat leaves, although some prefer flowers and young fruits.  Chrysalids hibernate.

Callophrys sheridanii, near Grassy Butte, Little Missouri National Grassland, McKenzie County, North Dakota, 23 April 2005                                               Ref #:  I-296-9.5