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Gray Hairstreak

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

Appearance

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.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyLycaenidaeGenusStrymon
Gray Hairstreak
spotted trait badgesolitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgecolorful trait badge
Gray Hairstreak

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

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!

Special abilities

Ability

Tail Deception

Gray Hairstreak has delicate hindwing tails and false 'eye spots' that help them trick predators into attacking the wrong end.

Ability

Rapid Evasion

Gray Hairstreak can fly quickly and erratically, helping them dart away from birds or other dangers.

Ability

Caterpillar Camouflage

Gray Hairstreak caterpillars are often green or brownish, blending perfectly with plants to hide from hungry predators.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
22-30 mm
Size
10-14 mm
Lifespan
7-21 days
Flight Speed
15 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

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.

Primary Foods

  • flower nectar
  • clover leaves
  • mallow seeds
  • bean plant leaves
  • cotton bolls
  • pea pods

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Butterflies are gentle and safe to watch, but be careful not to touch them too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gray Hairstreak's wingspan?

22-30 mm

How big is Gray Hairstreak?

10-14 mm

How long does Gray Hairstreak live?

7-21 days

How fast can Gray Hairstreak fly?

15 km/h

What does Gray Hairstreak eat?

Adults sip nectar from flowers, while caterpillars munch on leaves and seeds from many different plants.

Where is Gray Hairstreak usually found?

Urban areas

How does Gray Hairstreak hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Gray Hairstreak have?

6

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Where to spot

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