The Butterflies of the World Foundation

A Non-Profit Organization

Sandia Hairstreak

Callophrys mcfarlandi, P. Ehrlich & Clench, 1960

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.

All photographs, artwork, text and website design are the property of The Butterflies of the World Foundation (unless otherwise stated) and are protected under national and international copyright laws.  Photographs, artwork or text on this website may not be reproduced in any way without prior written consent of The Butterflies of the World Foundation.

Callophrys mcfarlandi, perched on larval food plant, Beargrass, Nolina micorcarpa, Tunnel Springs Campground, Sandia Mountains, Cibola National Forest, Sandoval County, New Mexico, 1 May 1998                                                                          Ref #:  I-14-9

Callophrys mcfarlandi, Tunnel Springs Campground, Sandia Mountains, Cibola National Forest, Sandoval County, New Mexico, 1 May 1998                                Ref #:  I-12-8

Beargrass, Nolina micorcarpa, common larval food source, Tunnel Springs Campground, Sandia Mountains, Cibola National Forest, Sandoval County, New Mexico

                                                          Ref #:  F-8-6.4

General Information:

Callophrys mcfarlandi belongs to the subfamily Theclinae.  It’s range includes most of New Mexico then southward into Texas and Mexico.  Its habitat is southwestern desert with beargrass.

Lifecycle:

The larval food plant for this species is beargrass, Nolina sp.  Eggs are laid on flower stalks of the host plant and caterpillars feed on flowers and fruits.  There is one early summer brood and sometimes a second brood.