Coral Hairstreak Identification Guide

Key Features

The coral hairstreak (Satyrium titus) is a small butterfly with a wingspan of about 1 to 1.375 inches. Distinguishing features include:

• Upperside is plain brown with little pattern, typical of many hairstreaks.
• Underside is gray-brown, decorated with small black spots outlined in white scattered across the wing.
• A row of bright coral-orange spots runs along the outer margin of the hindwing underside, the species' most eye-catching and diagnostic feature.
• Unlike most Satyrium hairstreaks, the coral hairstreak lacks tails on the hindwing, giving it a smoother wing outline.
• Wings are small and rounded overall, with a fairly quick, low flight.

Where and When to Spot It

Coral hairstreaks are found in open fields, prairies, power-line cuts, and woodland edges across much of the eastern and central United States, typically near wild cherry or plum trees that serve as caterpillar host plants. They fly in a single generation during midsummer, generally June through August depending on latitude, and are frequently seen nectaring on milkweed, dogbane, and other summer wildflowers alongside other hairstreaks and skippers.

Similar Species

• Banded hairstreak: Has thin tails on the hindwing and a differently shaped, more jagged white-edged band rather than a clean row of coral spots.
• Acadian hairstreak: Also has tails and a somewhat different arrangement of underside spotting.
• Gray hairstreak: Has a bold orange spot near the tail base rather than a full row of coral spots, and does have tails. The absence of tails combined with the bright coral-orange spot row is the clearest way to confirm this species.

Quick ID Checklist

• Small brown hairstreak with no tails on the hindwing
• Row of bright coral-orange spots along the hindwing margin
• Underside gray-brown with scattered white-ringed black spots
• Single midsummer flight, June through August
• Found near wild cherry/plum in open fields and edges

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