Gray Hairstreak Butterfly
The Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus) is a species of butterflies common in almost entire North America and is very common throughout their range. Color and Appearance: When the wings are open, the dorsal side displays a bright blue-gray coloration with a large red spot near the ends. When the wings are closed, the color of the ventral side during spring and fall is dark gray, while during summer, the color turns paler. The white postmedian line is relatively straight with an orange border on the inside edge. Each of the hind wings has a small tail-like protrusion that, by adaptation, looks almost like the antenna, while they render a head-like appearance on the wingtip in order to confuse predators. When the wings are closed, the ventral side shows a similar appearance as the dorsal. The female butterflies are relatively pale and shorter than the males.
Gray Hairstreak Butterfly
The Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus) is a species of butterflies common in almost entire North America and is very common throughout their range. Color and Appearance: When the wings are open, the dorsal side displays a bright blue-gray coloration with a large red spot near the ends. When the wings are closed, the color of the ventral side during spring and fall is dark gray, while during summer, the color turns paler. The white postmedian line is relatively straight with an orange border on the inside edge. Each of the hind wings has a small tail-like protrusion that, by adaptation, looks almost like the antenna, while they render a head-like appearance on the wingtip in order to confuse predators. When the wings are closed, the ventral side shows a similar appearance as the dorsal. The female butterflies are relatively pale and shorter than the males.