Banded is the most common and widespread of our Satyrium hairstreaks, very similar the the ultra-rare Hickory Hairstreak.

This is a male, as you can tell from the scent patch -- notice the faint J-shaped mark near the middle of the leading edge of the forewing.

Orange Co., NC 5/26/07

This is a female, lacking the scent patch.

Orange Co., NC 5/26/07

Male. This photo was taken with flash.

Granville Co., NC 6/4/2005.

The other side of the same individual, this time with only natural sunlight.

Granville Co., NC 6/4/2005.

These two males, perched on the same leaf, had just had an aerial sparring match. Mitchell Co., NC 7/6/2002.

Mitchell Co., NC 7/6/2002.

A very worn male!

Orange Co., NC 6/6/07.

Hiding under a leaf.

Orange Co., NC 6/6/07.