Oak Hairstreak (Satyrium favonius)
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This particular species of hairstreak has caused much confusion among taxonomists. It has been assigned to various genera, including Euristrymon and Fixsenia, as well as split into separate species and subspecies. It has also been called Northern Hairstreak, Southern Hairstreak, and Texas Hairstreak. Currently, Oak Hairstreak appears to be the favored moniker, corresponding to the larval food plants.
The odd markings and fine tails that are present on the hindwings of hairstreaks serve as a sort of deception. When the butterfly is resting, it moves its hindwings alternately up and down, causing the small tails to wiggle. The eyespots and fake "antennae" lead predators to believe that the rear of the butterfly is actually the head. It is not uncommon to find hairstreaks with bits of the hindwings missing, as they have escaped from a misled bird that thought it was grabbing at the head.
class: Insecta / order: Lepidoptera / family: Lycaenidae / genus: Satyrium / species: favonius
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