The Gray Hairstreak is North America's most widespread hairstreak butterfly, found from coast to coast and capable of using hundreds of host plant species. Its plain gray wings with a distinctive orange-capped tail are deceptively simple, but it has a fascinating behavior of rubbing its hindwings to make the false head near its tails seem animated. It is a prolific multivoltine species in warm regions.
Best time to see a Gray Hairstreak
The best time to see a Gray Hairstreak is April–August, when about 66% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 78,943 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Gray Hairstreak? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Gray Hairstreak sightings near you
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