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Home » Guide » Arthropods (Arthropoda) » Hexapods (Hexapoda) » Insects (Insecta) » Butterflies and Moths (Lepidoptera) » Butterflies and Skippers (Papilionoidea) » Blues, Coppers, Hairstreaks, Harvesters (Lycaenidae) » Hairstreaks (Theclinae) » Eumaeini » Strymon » Gray Hairstreak - Hodges#4336 (Strymon melinus)
Photo#137246
Strymon melinus? - Strymon melinus - female
Copyright © 2007 Gary McDonald

Strymon melinus? - Strymon melinus - Female
Aromas, San Benito County, California, USA
August 16, 2007
Size: about 25mm
I believe this is the Gray Hairstreak, seen on mallow in our garden.

Images of this individual: tag all
Strymon melinus? - Strymon melinus - female Strymon melinus? - Strymon melinus - female
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Contributed by Gary McDonald on 16 August, 2007 - 11:24pm
Last updated 11 September, 2007 - 11:54am

I going to agree with...
Strymon melinus, but an underwing shot would be conclusive, personally.
… Anthony Magee, 17 August, 2007 - 12:19am login or register to post comments

 
Underwing shot
I've added an underwing shot, forgot to add it yesterday.
… Gary McDonald, 17 August, 2007 - 9:46am login or register to post comments

 
That makes it so easy!
Your ID is definitely right on. (There are similar hairstreaks elsewhere, but I'm pretty sure the grey is the only one like that in our areas.)
… Ron Hemberger, 17 August, 2007 - 11:19am login or register to post comments

 
It'll be unanimous if you say it looks light grey
on the other side of the wings. Funny, I can't get them to pose with the wings open.
… Ron Hemberger, 17 August, 2007 - 12:26am login or register to post comments

 
Wings Open
I did get a shot of one of these just the other day with her wings open. It's very rare for me, too, though. Oh, and by the way. I vote for Gray Hairstreak also.
… Kenneth Dwain Harrelson, 17 August, 2007 - 12:25pm login or register to post comments

 
Female Gray Hairstreak
It is a female - note the red/orange dot on the back of the head.
The Gray Hairstreak is on of the very few (almost singular) hairstreaks that will pose with wings open.

Rod
… rkcamper, 18 August, 2007 - 10:25pm login or register to post comments

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