The Early Hairstreak is a tiny, jewel-like hairstreak with brilliant green-and-blue spots on tan-brown wings — one of the most beautiful small butterflies in North America. It is rarely seen because it spends most of its time in the beech tree canopy, occasionally descending to drink at moist soil. Its flight period coincides with beechnut opening in late summer.
Habitat
Mature American beech and hazel forests
Diet
Larvae: beechnut kernels and hazelnut. Adults: moisture and little nectar
How common
Rare
Recent Early Hairstreak sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Early Hairstreak? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.
Get Huck — free