Common Hairstreak

The common hairstreak (Strymon melinux) is also known as the gray hairstreak. There are over 70 different species of hairstreak butterflies. The name hairstreak is derived from the thin (hairlike) extensions located on their hindwings. They belong to the family Lycaenidae.

They are small butterflies and are commonly seen as their name suggests. Despite their small size they are very pretty butterflies.

Common hairstreaks are found throughout North America.

The common hairstreak caterpillar is green and is considered somewhat of a pest because it feeds on farmers' crops. Some crops the common hairstreak caterpillar feeds on are strawberries, corn, cotton, hops, and bean seedpods. The caterpillars also feed on oak leaves.

Once the caterpillar is fully developed it forms a brownish-black chrysalis. The common hairstreak remains in the pupal stage during the winter and emerges as an adult butterfly in the spring.

Adult Common Hairstreak's Favorite Foods

Despite the pesty nature of their caterpillars, adult common hairstreaks are lovely butterflies. To attract them to your yard here is a list of their favorite flowers:

Butterfly Weed
Sunflowers
Goldenrod
White clover
Hollyhock
Yarrows
Dandelion (not that you really want to cultivate these!)