Red-banded Hairstreak: Again…

Sunny days in the Fall are splendid. Although the daytime temperatures are in the low to mid70sF, it is quite hot in the sun and this has brought a flurry of butterfly activity. At our place, the main sources of nectar at the moment for butterflies are fleabane and the butterfly bush; the wasps, bees and flies are the main customers for goldenrod nectar. I’ve seen a number of Red-Banded Hairstreaks recently. Today I had an excellent sighting of one feeding so intently on fleabane flowers that I able to get some good macro photos.

This photo highlights its elfin eyes and striped antennae and legs.

This photo highlights the ventral pattern, colors and texture of its wings.

Identification resources:
- West Central Georgia Butterflies by Michael Beohm: Red-banded Hairstreak (Calycopis cecrops)
- BugGuide: Red-banded Hairstreak (Calycopis cecrops)
Click the image to view a larger image