Mitoura siva siva
Siva Juniper Hairstreak
Mitoura siva siva is found in our eastern deserts in Inyo and San Bernardino Counties in Juniper Woodland habitat. I found it along Teutonia Peak Trail near Cima Dome in the Mojave National Preserve as well as in the New York Mountains, and there are California records from the Old Woman Mountains and the Mescal Range. It flies in Arizona as well. It apparently begins flying in April most years, and the flight can extend into July, and with summer rains it may fly again.
This was one of several Mitoura siva siva I found on a blooming acacia tree in the New York Mountains (in the Mojave National Preserve). It was standing out among the scores of little blues on the same tree, which was the only nectar source in the area and thus a great attractor of butterflies. I was surprised to see one so fresh this far along in the season, but it's been that kind of year. July 9, 2020.
This was a surprise: Mitoura siva siva from within the Mojave National Preserve on Teutonia Peak Trail on April 28, 2020.
This Siva juniper hairstreak is from Arizona: Reddington Road in the Santa Catalina Mountains near Tucson. March 27, 2013.
This is a different individual from the same place, same day.
©Dennis Walker
