The Great Purple Hairstreak is one of the largest members of the hairstreak family. Its wings are a deep iridescent gray with purple or bluish tones, often flashing bright blue in sunlight. Small red spots are visible near the hindwing tails, and the abdomen is a vivid orange, making it easy to identify in flight. While best known for its purple sheen, the butterfly’s vibrant blue appearance has also earned it the alternate name Great Blue Hairstreak.

 

“Great Purple Hairstreak” by Ken Slade, licensed by (CC BY-NC 2.0)

 

Great Purple Hairstreak Facts

Butterfly Family: Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae)

Butterfly Subfamily: Theclinae

Butterfly Wingspan: 1 1/4 – 2 inches

Butterfly Habitat: Oak woods, mesquite forests, planted walnuts in agricultural or suburban areas, and mixed woods infested with mistletoe

 

🪴Host Plants

These are the plants where females lay eggs and caterpillars feed:

• American Mistletoe (Phoradendron leucarpum)

 

🌸 Nectar Plants

Adult Great Purple Hairstreak butterflies feed on nectar from the following native flowers:

• Asters (Symphyotrichum spp.)

• Beebalm (Monarda fistulosa)

• Blazing Star (Liatris spp.)

• Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

• Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)

• Common Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)

• Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)

• Dogbane (Apocynum spp.)

• Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea)

• Ironweed (Vernonia spp.)

• Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium spp.)

• Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum spp.)

• New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus)

• Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

• Spotted Beebalm (Monarda punctata)

• Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

• Wild Plum (Prunus americana)

• Wild Quinine (Parthenium integrifolium)

• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)