Red-banded Hairstreak (Calycopis cecrops) Anne Arundel County, Maryland
The distinct red band is quite variable. It may be wide and bold as in this individual or orange as in my next shot. It may also be narrow, especially on the forewing. It is always accented with a thin black and then white line.
Ventrally, this species is not sexually dimorphic and according to literature the band color is not indicative of sex.
Fallen decaying leaves and other decomposing matter are the larval host foods for the Red-banded Hairstreak.
Red-banded Hairstreak (Calycopis cecrops) Anne Arundel County, Maryland
The distinct red band is quite variable. It may be wide and bold as in this individual or orange as in my next shot. It may also be narrow, especially on the forewing. It is always accented with a thin black and then white line.
Ventrally, this species is not sexually dimorphic and according to literature the band color is not indicative of sex.
Fallen decaying leaves and other decomposing matter are the larval host foods for the Red-banded Hairstreak.