I saw this small, barely an inch, butterfly on some Thai basil that's blooming. It's wings flashed sort of lavender at first, almost the same color as the blooms (a reflection?). It did not want it's picture taken. I had a devil of a time getting this shot.
I'd just like some other opinions on it before I add it as a Red Banded Hairstreak for my zip. Any other thoughts on what this butterfly is?
Thanks
Because the underside of the forewing is somewhat hidden, I hesitate to be certain, but I believe that there is better than an even chance that this is a Southern oak hairstreak (Satyrium favonius favonius) - see http://tinyurl.com/mgzp7y for some North Carolina examples.
Suunto,
I got a reply from another source that it probably is a Gray Hairstreak (strymon melinus). I guess Oak Hairstreaks are very rare in this area. What are your thoughts on this?
Thanks!
This message was edited Jul 27, 2009 12:47 PM
This message was edited Jul 27, 2009 12:53 PM
That certainly is a possibility as well,and my apologies for having overlooked it; the coloration on these butterflies can be quite variable, and the entire wing is not visible in your image. From available distribution maps, neither species appears widespread in North Carolina.
