Everglades Wildlife Species: Bartram’s Scrub-Hairstreak

everglades wildlifeBartram’s Scrub-Hairstreak is a federally-endangered butterfly native to the pine rockland habitat of south Florida. Here are some facts about this species of butterfly in the Park:

  • This butterfly is easily recognized by its wide, white bands with black edges.
  • Their host plant is pineland croton, which they don’t fly far from. It’s usually never more than 17 feet away from the plant.
  • They can be found year-round in the Park, but are not in abundant.
  • Their populations have declined over the years possibly due to the destruction of the pine rockland habitat, invasive species, insecticides, collecting, and fire suppression. They also are dependent on the health and population of their host plant.
  • They can be found in small amounts in Miami-Dade County and Big Pine Key in the Florida Keys.
  • Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak caterpillars molt five times while growing.
  • Scientists have studied this butterfly to see how it responds to prescribed fire. The National Park Service is working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to help keep these species of butterfly from becoming extinct.
  • This butterfly is one-inch long.
  • This butterfly is mostly gray in color, which it helps it blend in with the pine rockland environment.
  • Males have a white abdomen while females have a gray abdomen.
  • This butterfly became federally protected in 2014.

 

Explore the Everglades on An Airboat

Being that it’s endangered and rare to spot, it’s likely you won’t get to see this beautiful butterfly on a trip to the Everglades; however, there are plenty of other butterflies and insects for you to see on your visit.

Looking for a fun way to explore the Everglades? An airboat tour is exhilarating. You can see parts of the Everglades you’d never get to see by foot.

To book an airboat tour, call Captain Mitch’s Airboat Tours at 800-368-0065 or click our Private Everglades Airboat Tours page. We are open seven days a week 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.