Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)

Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)

Often underappreciated because they're so abundant, but stunning when seen up close. This one is on White Clover growing in the lawn.

Fort Fisher, New Hanover Co., NC 5/15/04.

Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)

This one is nectaring on Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum).

Chatham Co., NC 9/21/14.

Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)

Gray Hairstreak is perhaps the most common and widespread hairstreak in the U.S. They aren't very different looking in Oregon.

Jefferson Co., OR 8/1/06.

Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)

Or Florida.

Bahia Honda State Park, Monroe Co., FL 6/25/2010.

Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)

Key West, Monroe Co., FL 6/27/2010.

Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)

Gray Hairstreaks bask in the sun more often than many hairstreaks. The upper surfaces of the wings are mostly gray, with prominent red-orange spots matching those on the underside.

Durham Co., NC 8/15/10.

Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)

New Hanover Co., NC 8/29/09.

Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)

Person Co., NC 6/13/06.

Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)

Durham Co., NC 8/19/07.

Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)

A late one enjoying a dandelion flower.

Dare Co., NC 11/6/05.

Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)

Same individual, rubbing its wings together and revealing some of the pattern on the upper surface of the wing.

Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)

When their wings are spread, Gray Hairstreak may easily be confused with female Eastern Tailed-Blue, which has two orange spots on the trailing edge of the hindwing instead of one. Note also the orange leading edge of the forewing, which Eastern Tailed-Blue lacks.

Jefferson Co., OR 8/1/06.

Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)
Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)

One of our most common and widespread hairstreaks. Note the distinctive orangish color on top of the head, which isn't found on Satyrium hairstreaks or other "interesting" species. Carroll Co., VA 8/8/02.

Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)

San Ygnacio, Zapata Co., TX 6/6/04.

Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)

This one has an unusual amount of red on the postmedian line.

Hidalgo Co., TX 10/18/04.

All photographs and text ©2013 by Will Cook unless otherwise noted.