Hedgerow Hairstreak (Satyrium saepium) is in the Gossamer-winged Butterflies family (Lycaenidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 3,628 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in June.
Seasonal pattern in the national data: summer visitor / breeder. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.
When to photograph Hedgerow Hairstreak: observations by month (U.S.)
About Hedgerow Hairstreak
Satyrium saepium, the hedgerow hairstreak, is a butterfly of the Lycaenidae family. It is found in western North America, from British Columbia south through California into Baja California and east through northern Arizona to northern New Mexico, Colorado and Montana.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Hedgerow Hairstreak by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 3,044 | June | Jun–Jul |
| Oregon | 243 | July | Jul–Aug |
| Washington | 92 | July | Jul–Aug |
| Colorado | 75 | July | Jul–Aug |
| Idaho | 55 | August | Jul–Aug |
| Nevada | 42 | July | Jul–Aug |
| Utah | 40 | July | Jul–Jul |
| Montana | 16 | July | Jul–Aug |
| Wyoming | 12 | July | Jul–Aug |
| Arizona | 9 | July | Jul–Jul |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related butterflies (Gossamer-winged Butterflies)
Gray Hairstreak
Eastern Tailed-Blue
Red-banded Hairstreak
Marine Blue
Ceraunus Blue
Summer Azure
Western Pygmy-Blue
Reakirt's Blue
Photography tips
- Butterflies are sluggish on cool mornings — the best time for close approaches.
- Keep the sensor parallel to the wings for edge-to-edge sharpness.
- Nectar plants in bloom are reliable places to wait.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Hedgerow Hairstreak?
Nationally, June has the most observations, with the main season from June to July.
Where is Hedgerow Hairstreak most often seen?
The most observations come from California, Oregon, Washington.