The Gossamer-winged Butterflies
This family of butterflies (Lycaenidae) is a large family of butterflies worldwide. It consists of small butterflies with sheer, delicate wings, hence the common name for the family-Gossamer-wings. Subfamilies of the Gossamer-wings which have representives flying in our area are the Harvesters (Miletinae) , the Hairstreaks (Theclinae), and the Blues (Polyommatinae).
The
Harvester (Feniseca tarquinius) The Harvester, a.k.a.
the "Wanderer", is the only butterfly which is a dedicated predator. The
caterpillars prey on Woolly Aphids. In the North Central Florida area this is primarily
the Woolly Maple Aphids (Neoprociphilus aceris), which is hosted by various greenbriar
(smilex) species. With very short proboscis, adult Harvesters do not nectar, but instead
they feed on aphid honeydew, mud, sap, dung, and carrion.
Subfamily: Miletinae
Species Descriptions:
-Florida Museum of Natural History-not available
-Butterflies
and Moths of North America
Photos:
Harvester perching in a sunny patch in woods near Newnan's Lake.
Perching Harvesters near Newnan's Lake.
Harvester perching on greenbriar.
Left: Harvester ovipositing eggs on greenbriar near Woolly Aphids. Right: eggs on
greenbriar near Woolly Aphids
Left: Woolly Maple Aphids on greenbriar. Right: Harvester chrysalis.
Left: Paynes Prairie Harvester caterpillar near Woolly Aphids. Right: Newnan's Lake Cats
Fresh Holiday Season Harvester at Newnan's Lake-December 15, 2007
Harvester caterpillars discovered in aphid colony and in leaf litter on December 22 at
Marmaduke Pond
Great Purple
Hairstreak (Atlides halesus) The largest hairstreak in our
region and one of the most colorful butterflie has a wing span of 1 1/4 to 2 inches. It is
common throughout North Central Florida and is ususally found in wooded areas where
mistletoe (its only host plant) is plentiful. the Great Purple nectars on a variety of
flowers depending on the season including plums, viburnum, goldenrod, queen anne's lace,
and bidens. It can be found locally from February through November.
Subfamily:Hairstreaks
(Theclinae)
Species Descriptions:
-Florida
Museum of Natural History
-Butterflies
and Moths of North America
Photos:
Great Purple Hairstreak nectaring on Goldenrod in late summer.
Great Purple nectaring on Queen Anne's Lace
Henry's Elfin
(Callophrys henrici) An uncommon bright brown elfin of woodlands found
in our area usually in the spring with the blooming of willows which it often visits for
nectar. The blooming season of local willows closely matches the flight season of this
butterfly. Host plants include Dahoon holly and American Holly. It's habitat includes a
wide variaty of moist woodlands with brushy understories, including wet pinelands,
bayheads and swamps. It can most often be viewed in our area from late February until late
April. It is most common in mid March. During these periods it can sometimes be found in
Goethe State Forest.
Subfamily:Elfins
Species Descriptions:
Photos:
Banded
Hairstreak (Satyrium calanus) A
variable hairstreak about the size of a Gray Hairstreak with will-marked postmedian bands
on both forewings and hindwings. Although uncommon in the north-central florida area, it
can usually be found from mid-April to mid-May in open areas near hickory groves and oak
hammonds nectoring on masses of early blooming white flowers such as Oakleaf Hydrangea,
Sparkleberry, Viburnums, Shasta Daisies, and Ligustrums. In some years it is almost common
for a short period of time in April and May in such areas as San Felasco Hammock Preserve
State Park, Devil's Millhopper Geological Area, and O'Leno State Park.
Subfamily:Hairstreaks
(Theclinae)
Species Descriptions:
-Florida
Museum of Natural History
-Butterflies
and Moths of North America
Photos:
