Red-banded Hairstreak (Calycopis cecrops) is native to the southeastern United States. As a caterpillar it has an unusual food source, the fallen leaves of Sumacs, Myrtles, some Oaks and other trees.

A mighty teeny butterfly, its wingspan is 1 inch to 1.25 inches, though you’ll seldom see it with its wings open. As a butterfly, the Red-banded Hairstreak lives just 4 to 10 days. This one, nectaring on a Winged Sumac appears to have had quite rough though short life.