Gray Hairstreak
Strymon melinus
Last reviewed: May 2026
Gray Hairstreak is known for its thin tail-like projections on hindwings.
Host plants
Gray Hairstreak caterpillars can only develop on their larval host plants. Plant one of these natives and you can host the full life cycle in your own yard (host plant associations per the Xerces Society (opens in new tab)).
- Trifolium — see Tomcat Clover (same genus)
- Medicago sativa — see Little Bur-clover (same genus)
- Malva
- Rosa — see California Rose (same genus)
- Rubus — see Rocky Mountain Raspberry (same genus)
- Mallow-rose (Hibiscus moscheutos)
- Low Poppymallow (Callirhoe involucrata)
- Golden Cassia (Chamaecrista fasciculata)
Want Gray Hairstreak in your yard? Open Mallow-rose in Pollinator Patch and plan an HOA-friendly garden around it for your region.
Family
Lycaenidae
Wingspan
22–35 mm
Active
May through September
Range
WA, AR, AZ, CO and 44 more states
How to identify it
Look for a small gray butterfly with thin orange and black markings near wing tails, and a characteristic 'hairstreak' tail extension.
Good to know
- One of the most widespread hairstreak butterflies in North America
- Larvae have a symbiotic relationship with ants that protect them from predators
Common questions
- What do Gray Hairstreak caterpillars eat?
- Gray Hairstreak caterpillars feed on Trifolium, Medicago sativa, Malva, Rosa, Rubus, Hibiscus moscheutos, Callirhoe involucrata, and Chamaecrista fasciculata. These are the larval host plants the caterpillars must have to develop, per the Xerces Society and host plant records compiled from GBIF and iNaturalist.
- Where do Gray Hairstreak live?
- Gray Hairstreak is found across WA, AR, AZ, CO and 44 more states.
- When are Gray Hairstreak active?
- Adult Gray Hairstreak are typically on the wing from May through September.
Range and life-history data compiled from iNaturalist, GBIF, and the Xerces Society. Photo licensed cc-by-nc.