Banded is the most common and widespread of our Satyrium hairstreaks, occuring throughout North Carolina, though most common in the Mountains and Piedmont, from late spring through mid-summer.

Vance Co., NC 5/20/10.

Caswell Co., NC 5/21/10.

Greensboro, NC 5/15/10

Greensboro, NC 5/15/10

Greensboro, NC 5/15/10

Greensboro, NC 5/15/10

The slug-like caterpillars are highly variable in color.

Granville Co., NC 4/25/10

Banded is most similar to the ultra-rare Hickory Hairstreak.

This is a male, as you can tell from the scent patch — notice the faint J-shaped mark near the middle of the leading edge of the forewing. The ones above are also all males. They tend to be easier to see than females because they often perch up on leaves to defend nice sunny spots in forest interiors.

Orange Co., NC 5/26/07

This is a female, lacking the scent patch.

Orange Co., NC 5/26/07

Male. This photo was taken with flash.

Granville Co., NC 6/4/2005.

The other side of the same individual, this time with only natural sunlight.

Granville Co., NC 6/4/2005.

Worn male.

Mt Jefferson, Ashe Co., NC 7/6/07.

These two males, perched on the same leaf, had just had an aerial sparring match. Mitchell Co., NC 7/6/2002.

Mitchell Co., NC 7/6/2002.

A very worn male!

Orange Co., NC 6/6/07.

Hiding under a leaf.

Orange Co., NC 6/6/07.