Gray Hairstreak Butterfly

Description:

The Gray Hairstreak or Common Hairstreak is a small butterfly (less than 1.5 inch wingspan) in the Lycaenidae family and is the most widespread hairstreak in North America. The upperside is blue-gray with large red spot near the tail. The underside of the spring/fall form is dark gray, the summer form is a paler gray. The caterpillars produce a honey dew solution from a gland known as the dorsal nectary organ causing them to sometimes be attended by ants.

Habitat:

Range: Southern Canada, U.S. - South America. Open areas, common in disturbed and weedy areas. Host Plants: Flowers and fruits of Pea (Fabaceae) and Mallow (Malvaceae) families.