Hayhurst's Scallopwing

Staphylus hayhurstii

Identification: Very small—1.1". Above: FW and HW dark brown with concentric darker bands on both wings. When fresh often overlaid with gold and silver flecks that resemble very small hairs. Two small white dots at bend of FW and a small cell-end dot are more prominent in females. Scalloped wing edges usually most noticeable on HW. Below: Rarely seen with wings closed. Dark FWs show small dots, mirroring the dorsal side, that are more prominent in females. Dark HWs unmarked except for flecks similar to those on dorsal side.

NJ Status and Distribution: Resident. A southern species that is uncommon and local in Cape May County, more so in Cumberland County, and seen only occasionally to rarely in Salem and Gloucester counties.

Habitat: Mainly disturbed habitats where its host plant grows. Often prefers dappled shade.

Flight Period: Two or three broods, peaking in May, July, and September. Extreme dates: 5/14—10/2.

Caterpillar Food Plants: Mainly Lambsquarters (Chenopodium album).

Overwintering Stage: Caterpillar.

Good Locations: Higbee Beach WMA, Cape May Point SP, Kimble’s Beach Road.

Comments: This small, dark butterfly flies weakly and very close to the ground in vegetation, so that it is easy to overlook. Occupies the same habitat as the similar Common Sootywing, which has white spots on top of head, and lacks the Scallopwing's gold and silver flecking.

Male, West Deptford, Gloucester Co., NJ, 8/22/10.

Female, Goshen, Cape May Co., NJ, 9/13/04, on New England Aster.

Male, Cape May Co., NJ, 7/27/21, on White Clover.

Female, Cape May Co., NJ, 7/27/21, on Perennial Pea.

Caterpillar, 10/7/21.