Mexican Gray Hairstreak
Common NameMexican Gray Hairstreak
Scientific NameStrymon eurytulus
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)24
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsgray, orange, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, forest edges, scrubland, gardens
Geographic RangeSouthern United States (Texas, Arizona, New Mexico), Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America
Host PlantsAcacia, Mimosa, Prosopis
Flight PeriodMarch to November (multiple broods)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are slug-like and feed on flowers and young fruits, pupating near the ground.
Identification TipsLook for the gray underside with a distinct row of black spots and the vivid orange patch with a central black spot on the hindwing, along with two short tails.
Description
A small hairstreak with dull grayish-brown undersides, marked with a postmedian row of black spots and a prominent orange patch containing a black spot near the hindwing tornus.
