Identification, Images, & Information
For Insects, Spiders & Their Kin
For the United States & Canada
Photo#15061
Gray Hairstreak - Strymon melinus

Gray Hairstreak - Strymon melinus
Lakeport, Northern California, 1350 Ft. level, Lake County, California, USA
November 11, 2004
I have wanted to know the name of this butterfly I found in my yard November 2004. I was struck by the orange "hair" and on the wings. I didn't notice it at first when I brought the cuttings into the house (sorry, forgot what plant it was from).

I see it has an ID
Did you find out what it is?

You might be interested to know that the "hair" and orange on the hindwings are intended to look like eyes and antennae. That way a bird which normally goes for those vital parts will end up striking an area that might allow the butterfly to escape and live another day.