Lotus Hairstreak

Callophrys dumetorum is resident to a small area of coastal Northern California (Scott 1986). Habitats are coastal dunes and foggy hills from Mendocino to Monterey counties, and several inner coast range sites in oak woodland from Stanislaus to Trinity counties. Host plants are restricted to varieties of the herbaceous species Erigonum latifolium (Polygonaceae) and in San Francisco only Lotus scoparius (Leguminosae). Eggs are laid on the host plant singly. Larvae eat flowers, young fruits, sometimes leaves. Individuals overwinter as pupae. There is one flight each year with the approximate flight time Mar15-June15 along the coast, Mar1-April30 inland. depending on latitude **OR** X in the northern part of the range and X in the southern part of their range (Scott 1986).

Males perch for females (Scott 1986).

Callophrys dumetorum, the coastal green hairstreak, bramble green hairstreak, or bluish green hairstreak, is a butterfly of the family Lycaenidae. It is found in the United States in coastal California and rarely in inland California. Subspecies C. d. oregonensis is known as the Oregon green hairstreak.

The wingspan is 25–32 mm. Adults are on wing from March to May in one generation.

Larvae have been recorded on Lotus scoparius, Eriogonum fasciculatum, Eriogonum latifolium, and Eriogonum nudum. Adults feed on flower nectar from host plants. They also feed on buckwheats and desert parsley. Its habitats include open sites and clearings in Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine forests, road-cuts, and coastal dunes.