Juniper HairstreakJuniper Hairstreak
I am very interested in any "Juniper" Hairstreak (AKA
Olive Hairstreak) sightings and would appreciate any data pertaining to this little
fellow. I am not only concerned with our local area but also it's situation to the south
(eastern US) so I can better understand and track their behaviour.
In May this small butterfly migrates into a limited area of
southern Ontario that contains the appropriate habitat. This is the northern most extent
of it's eastern range. Juniper Hairstreak numbers seem to be diminishing here even though
there are still fairly large tracts of it's habitat left. The bulk of these locals are
found in southern Hastings county, southern Lennox and Addington county, Frontenac county
and Prince Edward county.
They can be found exclusively in open areas around small Red
Junipers (Eastern Red Cedar). Due to the prolific growth rate of these Junipers many of
these areas have become just too saturated and over grown to attract this little gem. I do
find Juniper Hairstreaks in these less than attractive areas but in only a tiny fraction
of the numbers that are in more suitable habitat. Eventually they will abandon these
marginal areas completely in favour of more preferable ones.
One area I monitor on a regular basis is a prime location, quite
open with relatively young growth. In June the ground around these Junipers is a sea of
Oxeye Daisies. It's not uncommon to see the Hairstreaks come out of the Junipers and each
take up an Oxeye of their own and bask in the late morning sun. Quite the sight if the
numbers are fairly large.
If you have any observations to share please email me directly or
post them on the Forum page. Data such as; where (approximate
location - latitude and longitude would be preferable), earliest and latest sightings, how
many, and habit description will be valued and left on there for others to use.
