



Strymon melinus
The Gray Hairstreak is a small butterfly with beautiful gray wings and orange spots. They flutter around gardens and fields, bringing joy to everyone who sees them.
Habitat: Urban areas
The Gray Hairstreak is a small butterfly, typically grayish-brown above with an often lighter underside. It has distinct orange-rimmed black spots and two tiny, delicate 'tails' on each hindwing that make it look unique.




Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Did you know the Gray Hairstreak is one of the most common and widespread butterflies in North America? Wow!
Its caterpillars are incredibly adaptable, munching on over 50 different kinds of plants! Wow!
Some Gray Hairstreak caterpillars even have a sweet secretion that ants love, earning them protection! Wow!
These tiny butterflies often bask with wings closed, twitching their hindwings to make tails look like antennae! Wow!
Gray Hairstreak has delicate hindwing tails and false 'eye spots' that help them trick predators into attacking the wrong end.
Gray Hairstreak can fly quickly and erratically, helping them dart away from birds or other dangers.
Gray Hairstreak caterpillars are often green or brownish, blending perfectly with plants to hide from hungry predators.
Adults sip nectar from flowers, while caterpillars munch on leaves and seeds from many different plants.
Age differences: Larvae feed on plant leaves and seeds, while adults drink nectar from flowers.

Cyanocitta cristata
Adult butterflies are prey for birds

Argiope aurantia
Can get caught in spider webs

Asclepias syriaca
Visits flowers to drink nectar

Trifolium repens
Helps fertilize clover plants
Phaseolus vulgaris
Caterpillars feed on leaves and pods
Marked with spots or patches of a different color.
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
No aliases listed yet.
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Butterflies are gentle and safe to watch, but be careful not to touch them too much.
22-30 mm
10-14 mm
7-21 days
15 km/h
Adults sip nectar from flowers, while caterpillars munch on leaves and seeds from many different plants.
Urban areas
Foraging
6
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Massachusetts, US
You might spot Virginia Bluebells and Great Golden Digger Wasp.
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Massachusetts, US
You might spot Grey Cross Spider, Common Milkweed, and Roses.
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Washington, US
You might spot Ring-Billed Gull, Canada Goose, and Northern Saw-Whet Owl.
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California, US
You might spot Coast Live Oak, Lesser Goldfinch, and California Scrub-Jay.
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Virginia, US
You might spot Purple Loosestrife, Haircap Moss, and Magnolias.
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Montana, US
You might spot Bighorn Sheep and Curlleaf Mountain Mahogany.
View guide →