Hessel's Hairstreak (Callophrys hesseli)

Rare and local in NC at scattered localities across the sandhills and coastal plain, Hessel's Hairstreaks are restricted to sites where their caterpillar host plant (Atlantic White Cedar, Chamaecyparis thyoides) grows.

Two broods fly in NC, one in the spring and one in the summer.


Hessel's Hairstreak (Callophrys hesseli) Hessel's Hairstreak (Callophrys hesseli)
Bladen Co., NC
25 Mar 2007

Hessel's Hairstreak (Callophrys hesseli) Hessel's Hairstreak (Callophrys hesseli)
Bladen Co., NC
25 Mar 2007

Hessel's Hairstreak (Callophrys hesseli) Hessel's Hairstreak (Callophrys hesseli)
Bladen Co., NC
25 Mar 2007


Hessel's Hairstreak (Callophrys hesseli)

Often remaining high in the treetops of the host plant, the best way to see a Hessel's Hairstreak is to look for nectar plants near stands of Atlantic White Cedar and then hope that the butterfly nectars on flowers that are low, unlike this one that was nectaring 15 feet high and 15 feet away on Sweet Pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia)!

Brunswick Co., NC
13 Aug 2006
Atlantic White Cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides)
Brunswick Co., NC
13 Aug 2006

Uncommon in high peat habitats in the NC coastal plain, this species used to comprise large swamp forest before most were cut down during European settlement. Atlantic White Cedar is the only host plant for this very uncommon butterfly.


North Carolina Butterflies | North American Butterflies | Jeff's Nature Page


Created on ... August 14, 2006 | Updated on ... February 15, 2007 | jeffpippen9@gmail.com