Is it a butterfly or a moth? I found him in the grass this afternoon unable to fly. I've never seen anything like him(her) before and was wondering what it might be? I live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area of Texas. Any help is appreciated!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v466/rhondalo/ed0da5d5.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v466/rhondalo/eaf98262.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v466/rhondalo/c5d81785.jpg
I am not for sure, but it looks like a Great Purple Hairstreak with the bluish coloring and the hairy looking tips on the wings. I couldn't get the other two pics to open for some reason. So I am including one of my own pics for you to compare.
If it is the GPH, one of it's host plants is mistletoe, so it may have been in a tree. I was so windy around here today that it is no wonder the poor thing blew down before it's wings could open and dry. There isn't much you can do for a bf that can't fly. They only live for a couple weeks at best.
Here is another picture and I'll reply with the last one next.
You're right--it was windy yesterday. Of course it's raining today for the first time in over three weeks when our family was planning on going to the state fair. I've lived in Texas for 23 years now and have never been.
Anyway, based on your picture and what this guy looked like, I think you answered the question for me. Thank you for helping!
Rhonda
Yep, and we are enjoying the rain too!!! It has been so unseasonally hot and dry for this time of year.
Rhonda, you can try feeding him with a Qtip soaked in sugar water, and keep him in a netted cage. He may eat or he may not, it's just hard seeing them starve to death or be an easy prey for a predator.
