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Johnson’s Hairstreak (Callophrys johnsoni) This butterflies’ larva feed on mistletoe, specifically that of the Western hemlock situated at low elevation. Living next to the ocean and having a hemlock heavily infested with mistletoe just up the street helped determine the species is C. johnsoni and not the very similar C. spinetorum. Callophrys johnsoni,Canada,Geotagged,Johnsons hairstreak,Spring Click/tap to enlarge PromotedSpecies introCountry intro

Johnson’s Hairstreak (Callophrys johnsoni)

This butterflies’ larva feed on mistletoe, specifically that of the Western hemlock situated at low elevation. Living next to the ocean and having a hemlock heavily infested with mistletoe just up the street helped determine the species is C. johnsoni and not the very similar C. spinetorum.

    comments (5)

  1. View Ferdy Christant's profile
    Ferdy Christant
    Lion
    View Lion class
    Cool find, Gary! I find hairstreaks some of the most beautiful families of butterflies. Posted 7 years ago
    1. View gary fast's profile
      gary fast
      Lion
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      Thank you, Ferdy. They are new to me. I am still wondering how this group of butterflies got the name, “hairstreaks”? Posted 7 years ago
      1. View morpheme's profile
        morpheme
        Lion
        View Lion class
        It's because of the little hairlike projections that you can see on the hindwing. Strangely not all hairstreaks have the hairs.... Posted 7 years ago, modified 7 years ago
      2. View Ferdy Christant's profile
        Ferdy Christant
        Lion
        View Lion class
        "Hairstreak" refers to the hairs (and sometimes spectacular appendages) at the end of their wings, which is often used to mislead predators into thinking their head is there. Yours has it too! Posted 7 years ago
  3. View gary fast's profile
    gary fast
    Lion
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    To Ferdy and “morpheme”, many thanks for the clarification. Yes, I did see those little appendages sneaking out the back of the wings but never thought of calling them “hairstreaks”. Now I know. Posted 7 years ago

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The Johnsons hairstreak

''Callophrys johnsoni'', the Johnson's hairstreak, is a butterfly of the family Lycaenidae. It is found in North America from British Columbia south to central California. The habitat consists of coniferous forests.

The wingspan is 25–30 mm. The upperside of the wings of the males is rusty brown. Females are more orange. The underside is grey brown, but darker towards the base. The postmedian line is white, bordered with black on the inside. Adults are on wing from May to July.. more

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Similar species: Moths And Butterflies
Species identified by gary fast
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By gary fast

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Uploaded May 28, 2018. Captured May 27, 2018 14:36 in 311 Whaletown Rd, Whaletown, BC V0P 1Z0, Canada.
country flag of Canada Explore Canada 1,925 859 0
  • E-M5MarkII
  • f/11.0
  • 1/320s
  • ISO200
  • 60mm