Gray Hairstreak

Strymon melinus

Hairstreak butterflies have tiny "tails" on their hind wings. Many species also have an orange patch with a dark marking just at the base of these tails. When perched, they will sometimes move these tails just a little bit. This combination of shape, color, and movement create the appearance of a false head, complete with antennae. Scientists think that this false head is supposed to trick predators like birds into striking the wrong end of the butterfly, which can lose a small piece of wing but could never survive the loss of a head.

Look For : Orange spot on hind wings near the shorter of two blackish tails. Wings above are grayish-brown; pale gray below with thin black-and-white bands.

Length : 1 1/4".

Habitat : Meadows, roadsides, crop fields.

Range : Widespread.