Mountain Mahogany Hairstreak (butterfly) – State Wildlife Action Plan

One short hindwing tail on males, long tail on female hindwing; may be missing. Upperside brown-gray. Underside is olive-gray with ashy overlay. Postmedian line white; sometimes faint or absent. Spot near tail is gray-blue. Wingspan 1 – 1.25 inches (2.5 – 3.2 cm)

Overview

Species Common Name Mountain Mahogany Hairstreak (butterfly)
Species Scientific Name Satyrium tetra

Ecoregions

East Cascades

The East Cascade ecoregion extends from the Cascade Mountains' summit east to the warmer, drier high desert and down the length of the state. This ecoregion varies dramatically from its cool, moist border with the West Cascades ecoregion to its dry eastern border, where it meets sagebrush desert landscapes.

Klamath Mountains

The Klamath Mountains ecoregion covers much of southwestern Oregon, including the Klamath Mountains, Siskiyou Mountains, the interior valleys and foothills between these and the Cascade Range, and the Rogue and Umpqua river valleys. Several popular and scenic rivers run through the ecoregion, including the Umpqua, Rogue, Illinois, and Applegate rivers. Historically, this ecoregion is known …

Special needs

Found in chaparral, mixed woodlands, oak-pine forest edges, and canyons. Larval host plants are Mountain-mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus and C. ledifolius); adults nectar on various flowers, including buckwheat, dogbane, and rabbitbrush.

Limiting factors

Threatened by warming temperatures, especially during fall months, and precipitation changes due to climate change and habitat loss due to development and agriculture. This species has only one generation per year, and thus is intrinsically more vulnerable to stressors.

Data gaps

Collect life history information. Obtain current population size and trend data. Assess distribution and determine range. Determine microhabitat requirements.

Conservation actions

Monitor existing populations and habitat. Survey suitable habitat for new populations. Manage habitat to provide preferred host and nectar plant species.