Pearly-gray Hairstreak
Common NamePearly-gray Hairstreak
Scientific NameParrhasius polibetes
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorspearly gray, white, orange, black
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeMexico to Central and South America
Host PlantsInga spp.
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are typically slug-shaped and feed on the leaves of host plants, often from the Fabaceae family. Pupation occurs on or near the host plant.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the uniform pearly gray underside, the faint white postmedian line, and the distinctive orange and black ocellus (eyespot) near the hindwing tornus, often accompanied by delicate tails.
Description
A small butterfly with a pearly gray to silvery white underside, featuring faint white lines and a prominent orange spot with a black center near the hindwing tornus.
