Description: 8.5-13 mm. This hairstreak is brown on the ventral side with a thin white band on the hind wing. Below that band is an orange spot, a blue spot and a black spot. Above, the males are brilliant iridecent copper color. Felames are less brilliant but similar in color. 

 

Habitat and Distribution: Can be abundant in South Florida particularly in the late spring, early summer. They can be found in most of the larger Keys. The habitat includes weedy fields and landscapes which include host tree.

 

Host Plant: Jamaican Dogwood (Piscidia piscipula), Indian Pongam (Pongamia pinnata) and Brazilian Pepper (Shinus terebenthifolius)

 

Natural History: This species thrives on two exotic host plants in Brazilian Pepper and Indian Pongam. In May and June when the Indian Pongam (commonly planted as an ornimental in parkinglots) flushes its new growth for the year, these trees can hold dozens of adults. Females readily lay eggs on the new leaves  and larvae are easily reared on this tree. It's much better than handling Brazillian Pepper which has a sap that can be highly irritating to the skin.