Satyrium sylvinum

Sylvan Hairstreak

This has always been a rather uncommon species in southern Vancouver Island during the last few decades of the twentieth century, but is now decidedly rare and I fear we shall not see it in the area much longer. I have never seen the caterpillar, but willow is the recorded foodplant, and eggs overwinter. Willows in the immediate vicinity of the few places where I have seen the butterfly have since been destroyed. The butterfly shown is taking nectar from Pearly Everlasting, as have most of the individuals I have seen.