×
BugFinder Insects by State Spiders Butterflies & Moths Bees, Ants, & Wasps Beetles All Bugs Videos (YouTube)

Gray Hairstreak Butterfly (Strymon melinus)


Detailing the physical features, habits, territorial reach and other identifying qualities of the Gray Hairstreak Butterfly


Loading SVG image placeholder
1/15
Image Credit: Hugo B., taken near Barstow, CA
Full-sized image of the Gray-Hairstreak-Butterfly Thumbnail image of the Gray-Hairstreak-Butterfly
2/15
Image Credit: Steve K. from California, MD
Full-sized image #2 of the Gray-Hairstreak-Butterfly Thumbnail image #2 of the Gray-Hairstreak-Butterfly
3/15
Image Credit: Eric B., taken in Denton County, TX
Full-sized image #3 of the Gray-Hairstreak-Butterfly Thumbnail image #3 of the Gray-Hairstreak-Butterfly
4/15
Image Credit: Jerry Gildemeister
Full-sized image #4 of the Gray-Hairstreak-Butterfly Thumbnail image #4 of the Gray-Hairstreak-Butterfly
5/15
Image Credit: Hugo B., taken near Barstow, CA
Full-sized image #5 of the Gray-Hairstreak-Butterfly Thumbnail image #5 of the Gray-Hairstreak-Butterfly
6/15
Image Credit: Eric B., taken in Denton County, TX
Full-sized image #6 of the Gray-Hairstreak-Butterfly Thumbnail image #6 of the Gray-Hairstreak-Butterfly
7/15
Image Credit: Eric B. from TX
Full-sized image #7 of the Gray-Hairstreak-Butterfly Thumbnail image #7 of the Gray-Hairstreak-Butterfly
8/15
Image Credit: Eric B., taken in Denton County, TX
Full-sized image #8 of the Gray-Hairstreak-Butterfly Thumbnail image #8 of the Gray-Hairstreak-Butterfly
9/15
Image Credit: Hugo B., taken near Barstow, CA
Full-sized image #9 of the Gray-Hairstreak-Butterfly Thumbnail image #9 of the Gray-Hairstreak-Butterfly
10/15
Image Credit: Arch Baker
Full-sized image #10 of the Gray-Hairstreak-Butterfly Thumbnail image #10 of the Gray-Hairstreak-Butterfly
11/15
Image Credit: Hugo B., taken in Grand Terrace, CA
Full-sized image #11 of the Gray-Hairstreak-Butterfly Thumbnail image #11 of the Gray-Hairstreak-Butterfly
12/15
Image Credit: Dave and Glenda E. from Swaledale, IA
Full-sized image #12 of the Gray-Hairstreak-Butterfly Thumbnail image #12 of the Gray-Hairstreak-Butterfly
13/15
Image Credit: Valerie S. from Austin, TX
Full-sized image #13 of the Gray-Hairstreak-Butterfly Thumbnail image #13 of the Gray-Hairstreak-Butterfly
14/15
Image Credit: Hugo B., taken in Hinkley, CA
Full-sized image #14 of the Gray-Hairstreak-Butterfly Thumbnail image #14 of the Gray-Hairstreak-Butterfly
15/15
Image Credit: Hugo B., taken in Hinkley, CA
Full-sized image #15 of the Gray-Hairstreak-Butterfly Thumbnail image #15 of the Gray-Hairstreak-Butterfly

The small Gray Hairstreak Butterfly can be found all over the continent, flitting and flying in dizzying patterns.



Updated: 02/28/2024; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org
Adult Gray Hairstreak Butterflies can be seen in open fields, parks, woods and gardens in every state and province. When resting, they bask in the sun with their wings stretched open, a behavior that is uncharacteristic in other Hairstreaks. When in flight, they are fast, using an array of flight maneuvers that make it difficult visually track. This is probably helpful in avoiding an airborne attack.

Adults are a light gray with a thin, short tail at the bottom of each hindwing. A crisp black/white line stretches down the inside of each forewing. A secondary row of black dashes runs closer to the edge and ends in a splash of orange at the bottom. Each orange patch has a black dot and is visible on top and underneath the wings. The hair-like fringe extending from the bottom of the hindwings also has orange patches with black inside them. The tops (dorsal) of the wings are almost completely gray save for the orange/black pattern and white dashes between them.

The caterpillar of the Gray Hairstreak feeds on the flowers of legumes and member of the hibiscus plant family. This makes it an annoying pest to bean farmers and ornamental flower growers. The butterfly can adapt its coloring (to a certain degree) and camouflage itself on the plant it is feeding on. Two to three generations are born in a year which likely aids in their prevalence. They are most active from late spring to early autumn.©InsectIdentification.org


Note: The above text is EXCLUSIVE to the site www.InsectIdentification.org. It is the product of hours of research and work made possible with the help of contributors, educators, and topic specialists. If you happen upon this text anywhere else on the internet or in print, please let us know at InsectIdentification AT gmail DOT com so that we may take appropriate action against the offender / offending site and continue to protect this original work.


General Characteristics


Capability, Shape, Texture/Pattern, Benefits, Dangers
Flying insect icon
Harmful insect icon


Taxonomic Hierarchy


Species Breakdown
Kingdom: Animalia
  Phylum: Arthropoda
    Class: Insecta
      Order: Lepidoptera
        Family: Lycaenidae
View More
          Genus: Strymon
View More
            Species: melinus

Identifying Information


Size, Colors, Features
Scientific Name: Strymon melinus
Other Name(s): Common Hairstreak Butterfly
Category: Butterfly or Moth
Size (Adult; Length): 20mm to 35mm (0.78" to 1.37")
Colorwheel Graphic Colors: gray; black; orange; white; blue
Descriptors: flying; harmful


Relative Size Comparison


Typical Size Between 20mm (0.8in) and 35mm (1.4in)
Lo: 20mm
Md: 27.5mm
Hi: 35mm

Territorial Map*


U.S., Canada, and Mexico
State of Alabama graphic
State of Arizona graphic
State of Arkansas graphic
State of California graphic
State of Colorado graphic
State of Delware graphic
State of Florida graphic
State of Georgia graphic
State of Idaho graphic
State of Illinois graphic
State of Indiana graphic
State of Iowa graphic
State of Kansas graphic
State of Kentucky graphic
State of Louisiana graphic
State of Maine graphic
State of Maryland graphic
State of Michigan graphic
State of Minnesota graphic
State of Mississippi graphic
State of Missouri graphic
State of Montana graphic
State of Nebraska graphic
State of Nevada graphic
State of New England graphic
State of New Jersey graphic
State of New Mexico graphic
State of New York graphic
State of North Carolina graphic
State of North Dakota graphic
State of Ohio graphic
State of Oklahoma graphic
State of Oregon graphic
State of Pennsylvania graphic
State of South Carolina graphic
State of South Dakota graphic
State of Tennessee graphic
State of Texas graphic
State of Utah graphic
State of Virginia graphic
State of Washington graphic
State of West Virginia graphic
State of Wisconsin graphic
State of Wyoming graphic
Canadian territory of Alberta graphic
Canadian territory of British Columbia graphic
Canadian territory of Manitoba graphic
Canadian territory of New Brunswick graphic
Canadian territory of Newfoundland and Labrador graphic
Canadian territory of Ontario graphic
Canadian territory of Quebec graphic
Canadian territory of Saskatchewan graphic
Territory map graphic of the country of Mexico
Contiguous United States shape map layer graphic
Alaska  
Hawaii  
Prince Edward Is.  
* MAP NOTES: The territorial heat map above showcases (in red) the states and territories of North America where the Gray Hairstreak Butterfly may be found (but is not limited to). This sort of data is useful when attempting to see concentrations of particular species across the continent as well as revealing possible migratory patterns over a species' given lifespan. Some insects are naturally confined by environment, weather, mating habits, food resources and the like while others see widespread expansion across most, or all, of North America. States/Territories shown above are a general indicator of areas inhabited by the Gray Hairstreak Butterfly. Insects generally go where they please, typically driven by diet, environmental changes, and / or mating habits.
Site Disclaimer  |  Privacy Policy  |  Cookies  |  Sitemap
Beetle Identification Butterfly Identification Caterpillar Identification Spider ID Fungal Infections on Insects Nursery Web Spider Official State Insects Termite Basics Insect Molting Process Bugs of Tennessee House Centipede JoroSpider.org

2024 www.InsectIdentification.org • Content ©2006-2024 InsectIdentification.org • All Rights Reserved. The InsectIdentification.org logo, its written content, and watermarked photographs/imagery are unique to this website (unless where indicated) and is protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property laws. Material presented throughout this website is for entertainment value and should not to be construed as usable for scientific research or medical advice (regarding bites, etc...).Please consult licensed, degreed professionals for such information. By submitting images to us (InsectIdentification.org) you acknowledge that you have read and understood our Site Disclaimer as it pertains to "User-Submitted Content". Images in JPG format are preferred with a minimum horizontal dimension of 1000px if possible. When emailing please include your location and the general estimated size of the specimen in question if possible. Please direct all inquiries and comments to insectidentification AT gmail.com. No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

©2024 www.InsectIdentification.org • All Rights Reserved • Content ©2006-2024 (18yrs)