Gray Hairstreak
(Strymon melinus)
Gray Hairstreak sightings, by week (about)
Click to enlargeMecan Discovery Center, Marquette Co., WI. September 24, 2006.
Click to enlargeMecan Discovery Center, Marquette Co., WI. September 24, 2006. Same individual as the photo above.
The Gray Hairstreak is one of the most widespread butterflies in the continental U.S. In Illinois, Bouseman and Sternburg consider it rare and uncommon in northern Illinois, “ where it may not survive the winter.” This certainly seems to be the case in Wisconsin where the Gray Hairstreak may show up unexpectedly, and form a temporary colony if the push northward occurs early enough in the year.
Identifying characteristics: Below the Gray Hairstreak has a very gray background color, two orange spots on the hindwing capped with black, and a postmedian line on the hindwing that is tri-colored, with red, black, and white bands from the inside to the outside of the wing. Although other Hairstreaks in Wisconsin rarely land with their wings open, the Gray Hairstreak is an exception and will often be seen with its wings open as in the second photo
Similar species: None in Wisconsin.
Habitat: Found in a large variety of open habitats, including open weedy fields.
Flight: This species has been found in late April and into October in Michigan. Individuals that enter Wisconsin early in the year may form a temporary colony and have a second brood. It is not likely that this generation can survive the Wisconsin winter.
Abundance: Uncommon, but could be found almost anywhere in the State.
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Gray Hairstreak
Strymon melinus