Mitoura nelsoni

Nelson's Hairstreak

Nelsoni is related to juniper-feeding hairstreaks whose populations may overlap its own, but it is a specialist on Calocedrus decurrens, incense cedar. It has a single brood, from May into July. It is less boldly patterned underneath as well, with the white line typical of its congeners reduced or nearly absent. It helps to look around for incense cedar trees if you find a hairstreak that you think may be nelsoni. In the Big Bear region, siva looks similar but uses western juniper trees as their larval food plant.

Mitoura nelsoni- Nelson's Hairstreak
Mitoura nelsoni, at flowers in Icehouse Canyon not far from Mt. Baldy in the San Gabriels. May 24, 2017.
Mitoura nelsoni- Nelson's Hairstreak
Another from Icehouse Canyon but eight years earlier: June 18, 2009. The yerba santa there can be a great butterfly spot when it's in bloom.
Mitoura nelsoni- Nelson's Hairstreak
Typical Nelson's hairstreak along the Forsee Creek Trail off Jenk's Lake Rd, south of Big Bear. June 4, 2006.
Mitoura nelsoni- Nelson's Hairstreak
Nelson's hairstreak on the Mt Waterman Trail in the San Gabriels. June 25, 2006.

©Dennis Walker