Butterflies of Zihuatanejo

SUPERFAMILY PAPILIONOIDEA

-Subtribe Strymonina

-Fine-lined Hairstreak (Arawacus sito)

Arawacus sito, commonly known as the Fine-lined Hairstreak, is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. The upper side of the wings is typically brown to gray-brown, sometimes with a faint bluish sheen depending on the angle of light. The underside, however, is more distinctive, marked with thin, fine lines and delicate patterns that give the species its common name. It also has small tail-like projections on the hindwings, a hallmark of hairstreak butterflies, along with subtle eyespots near the tails that can help deflect predator attacks.This species is found in Mexico and Central America, inhabiting forest edges, clearings, and tropical vegetation. Adults are often seen perching quietly with wings closed, making use of their cryptic underside for camouflage, and may visit flowers or feed on moisture from organic sources.

Diet

Adults: Feed on flower nectar, with flowers of Solanaceae among the documented food sources.
Caterpillars: Feed on plants in the nightshade family (Solanaceae).
The caterpillars feed on the leaves and eventually form a small brown pupa, about 8 mm long, attached to the host plant.

Range

Arawacus sito occurs from Mexico through Central America to Costa Rica, with records extending through Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.
Around Zihua, Arawacus sito would likely be considered occasional to locally uncommon, particularly where tropical dry forest and secondary vegetation provide suitable Solanum plants.

Habitat

Occurs in tropical dry and humid forest, woodland, forest edges, clearings and secondary vegetation. It can occur at relatively low elevations as well as in more elevated tropical habitats.
Around Zihua, forest margins, overgrown clearings, arroyo vegetation and patches of secondary growth would be good places to look for it, especially where wild Solanum species are growing.

Size