Callophrys dumetorum superperplexa

Superperplexing Hairstreak

This butterfly was named in the 1998 Systematics book as Callophrys perplexa superperplexa. It's superperplexing because of its taxonomic status, and I have no opinion on the difficult green hairstreaks to offer. The host is Eriogonum fasciculatum, and the type locality is in Inyo County at Big Pine Creek, 6500' elevation. Its relation to perplexa, comstocki, and lemberti (it has similarities to each) is "superperplexing".

Callophrys dumetorum superperplexa - Superperplexing Hairstreak
This is at Alder Creek ( the 6800' spot) along Sherman Pass Road in Tulare County. April 20, 2014.
Callophrys dumetorum superperplexa - Superperplexing Hairstreak
This is also at Alder Creek, several weeks later. Such a strange shade of green that it seems to be straining the color gamut. May 15, 2014.

©Dennis Walker