The Great Purple Hairstreak is one of the most spectacular butterflies in North America, with males displaying iridescent blue-purple wings and females with a distinctive bright blue forewing base. The abdomen is brilliant red and the head orange. Despite its stunning colors it is easily missed, spending much of its time in the tops of oaks and mistletoe-infested trees. The iridescent blue structural coloration dazzles in sunlight.
Best time to see a Great Purple Hairstreak
The best time to see a Great Purple Hairstreak is March–September, when about 66% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 9,390 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Great Purple Hairstreak? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Great Purple Hairstreak sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Great Purple Hairstreak? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Great Purple Hairstreak is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love insects & arthropods? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.