What Butterflies Host on Oak?

Hairstreak Butterflies

• The caterpillars of Southern oak hairstreak, white hairstreak and banded hairstreak all feed on oak trees. They are members of the Lycaenidae family known as gossamer-wing butterflies. Hairstreaks are found in woodlands, brush areas and around forest perimeters. Gossamer-wings all share a unique wing structure and most are brightly colored with two vivid spots on the bottom tips of its wings.

Duskywing Butterflies

• Juvenals duskywing, sleepy duskywing and Horaces duskywing caterpillars also feed on oak trees. Members of the Hesperiidae family, also known as skippers, are found around forest perimeters, dry woodlands and bordering open areas. Horaces Duskywing spends time frequenting swampy areas. Skippers got their name because of the way they fly -- fast, darting and constantly changing direction.

Growing Oaks

• Native to North America, oak trees mature to a height of up to 75 feet and range in width from 40 to 70 feet, depending on the variety. They have a slow-to-moderate growth rate and a wide, rounded shape when fully grown. Oaks are hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 3 through 9. While they adapt to most planting soil conditions, they grow best moist well-drained soil.

Other Trees that Host Larvae

• A number of other trees host butterfly larvae. The larvae of other Hairstreak species dine on black cherry, hickory and cedar. Viceroys prefer willows, Henry's elfin feeds on redbud, Florida purplewing tends towards crabwood, while the dingy purplewing eats the leaves of the gumbo limbo tree. The Eastern comma and mourning cloak both prefer elms and the Eastern pine elfin sticks to sand pine. A number of vines, perennials, herbs and shrubs are host plants throughout the lifecycle of the butterfly. Consider them when planning butterfly gardens, along with the nectar plants adult butterfly feed on each summer.