Hairstreak butterflies are one example. Banded Hairstreak females (Satyrium calanus) lay their eggs on the twigs of trees such as oak, hickory, walnut, ash and boxelder. The eggs remain dormant (in diapause) through the winter and hatch in spring. The caterpillars will then feed on the leaves of the trees where the female laid the eggs.
If you needed another reason to include native trees in your pollinator garden, these pretty blue eggs are surely it!
Author: Lisa Schneider
Photo: Stephan Morris