Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

Red-spotted Hairstreak
Tmolus echion (Linnaeus, 1767)


Family: Lycaenidae
Subfamily: Theclinae
Identification: Tailed. Upperside of male iridescent blue, female dull blue-gray. Underside light gray with 2 rows of orange oblong spots.
Wing Span: 7/8 - 1 1/4 inches (2.2 - 3.2 cm).
Life History: Eggs are laid singly on flowers of host plant. Caterpillars feed on flower and fruits and sometimes leaves.
Flight: May in South Texas, all year in Hawaii and Mexico.
Caterpillar Hosts: Many species of tropical plants including some in the verbena, mint, and potato families.
Adult Food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Subtropical scrub and forest edges.
Range: Brazil north to Sinaloa and Tamaulipas, Mexico. Strays rarely to South Texas. Was introduced to Hawaii in 1902 to control Lantana.
Conservation: Not usually required.
NCGR: G5 - Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.
Management Needs: None reported.
Comments: NULL
Get your BAMONA Gear!

Hoodies and t-shirts in two designs!


Advertise with us!

Do you have a product or service that you think would interest BAMONA users? If you would like to advertise on this website, contact us by email, or use the contact form and select the "Advertising" category.