Diet

• Caterpillars feed on plants in the mallow family (Malvaceae), particularly Abutilon species.

• Larvae feed especially on flower buds and young fruits rather than mature foliage.

• Adults visit flowers for nectar.

Range

• Strymon albata ranges from Mexico through Central America into northern South America, including Colombia and Venezuela.

• It occurs in western Mexico, with records from Colima and Jalisco, and is found in Guerrero.

• It occurs in the Zihua area.

Habitat

• It is primarily associated with seasonally dry tropical lowlands.

• Typical habitats include scrub, second-growth vegetation, forest edges, shrubby fields and other relatively open habitats.

• In the Zihua area, dry tropical scrub and disturbed woodland with Abutilon and other suitable plants provide appropriate habitat.

Description

• A small hairstreak with a wingspan of approximately 29–35 mm.

• The upper surface is predominantly grey with large white areas across the wings.

• The underside is pale grey, with a relatively subdued postmedian line and a small eyespot near the hindwing tail.

• Unlike several similar Strymon, the hindwing eyespot does not contain a conspicuous orange patch.

• The species can be particularly inconspicuous when resting with its wings closed, as the pale underside blends well with dry foliage.