Silver-banded Hairstreak (Chlorostrymon simaethis [Drury])
Wing span: 7/8 - 1 1/4 inches (2.2 - 3.2 cm).
Identification: Upperside of male brown with purple iridescence; female dull gray. Underside of both wings green with silver-white postmedian band.
Life history: Eggs are laid singly on host plant fruits; caterpillars live inside the fruit pod and eat the young seeds.
Flight: Two flights from August-December.
Caterpillar hosts: In Florida: Balloon vine (Cardiospermum halicacabum) of the soapberry family (Sapindaceae). Many other hosts in other parts of the range.
Adult food: Nectar from flowers of balloon vine and Antigonon leptotus.
Habitat: Openings and edges of dry tropical forests or scrub, Sonoran Desert.
Range: Argentina north to Southern California, southern Arizona, South Texas, southern Florida and the Keys.
