A Rare Find in Delaware

This spring a Hessels’ Hairstreak butterfly (Mitoura hesseli) was sighted on a southern Delaware The Nature Conservancy property for the first time in almost three decades; the only confirmed sighting on the Delmarva Peninsula in 27 years.

The Hessel Hairstreak butterfly was identified by entomologist Dr. Christopher “Kitt” Heckscher of Delaware State University. This tiny green, black and white butterfly has a wingspan of only one inch and spends most of its time near the tops of Atlantic White Cedar trees, its host plant. It is on the State of Delaware Endangered Species list.

“I consider it one of the region’s most important Lepidoptera conservation targets.  It would be the only known population between New Jersey and southeastern Virginia,” said Dr. Heckscher. “I was lucky enough to be among the group that spotted this butterfly 27 years ago.  It’s a long time between sightings but encouraging to see it again.” 

“TNC works hard to manage our Delaware properties, so they are welcoming homes for native insects, plants and animals,” said Delaware Stewardship Program Manager Natasha Whetzel. “The confirmed sighting of the Hessels’ Hairstreak is such a wonderful surprise and a reminder why conserving open space is so important.”

To protect the butterfly, TNC will not be disclosing the specific location at which it’s been found but the find is an example of how vital it is to protect wildlife habitats, native vegetation and open space for rare and endangered species. There are 120 species of butterflies that breed and reside in Delaware.