Gray hairstreak vs Great purple hairstreak
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a gray hairstreak from a great purple hairstreak, and whether either one bites or stings.
Gray hairstreak
Strymon melinus
Great purple hairstreak
Atlides halesus
≠The key differences
Gray hairstreak is gray above and below, with an orange-and-black spot near the tail and a black-and-white line on the underside; it lacks the blue upperside and black underside.
⚖︎Side by side
| Gray hairstreak | Great purple hairstreak | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Size | 25-35 mm wingspan | 30-50 mm wingspan (3.0-5.0 cm) |
| Colours | Pale gray, Orange, Black, White | Iridescent purple, Dark brown/gray, Orange, White |
| Family | Lycaenidae | Lycaenidae |
| Habitat | Open, sunny habitats: fields, meadows, roadsides, gardens, parks and disturbed areas | Woodlands, woodland edges, riparian corridors and areas where mistletoe grows on trees (commonly oaks). |
| Range | Widespread across most of North America from southern Canada through the United States into Mexico and parts of Central America | Southern United States from California to Florida and north to about Oregon, Kansas and Maryland, south through Mexico to Central America. |
| Active | Spring through fall (year-round in some warm regions); active during daylight, especially late morning to afternoon | Most of the year in the far south, chiefly spring through fall elsewhere (2-3 broods); day-active, most active on warm sunny days. |
| Pest? | No | No |
🔍How to spot a gray hairstreak
- Pale gray underside with thin white lines crossing the wings
- One or two fine 'hairstreak' tails on each hindwing
- Black spot edged in orange near the hindwing rear margin
- Small size: about 25-35 mm wingspan
🔍How to spot a great purple hairstreak
- Brilliant iridescent blue upperwings and an orange-red abdomen.
- Underside black with red spots at the wing bases and iridescent gold, blue and green spots near the tails.
- Two tails on each hindwing, one long and one short.
- Association with mistletoe-bearing trees: adults often fly around and perch near mistletoe clumps.
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a gray hairstreak and a great purple hairstreak?
Gray hairstreak is gray above and below, with an orange-and-black spot near the tail and a black-and-white line on the underside; it lacks the blue upperside and black underside.
Is a gray hairstreak or a great purple hairstreak more dangerous?
Gray hairstreak: Non-toxic. Great purple hairstreak: Non-toxic. Harmless to people. Harmless to people.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.