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| White M Hairstreak |
Latin
Name: Parrhasius m-album |
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Genus: Parrhasius Species: m-album |
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Comments: |
| The White M Hairstreak is named for the narrow white band on the underside of the hindwing that forms the letter M. The true beauty of this diminutive species can be seen mainly during flight, when the bright iridescent blue scaling of the upper wing surfaces flashes in the sunlight. Adults readily explore open areas adjacent to their habitat for available flowers. Adults have a quick, erratic flight and can be difficult to follow. |
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Life
Cycle: |
Broods: |
multiple generations |
Egg: |
whitish, laid singly on twigs or buds of host |
Larva: |
variable, dark green to mauve |
Host Plants: |
various oaks including Live Oak |
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Host
Plants: |
Host
Plants: |
various oaks including Live Oak |
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Habitat: |
Habitat: |
forest edges, oak hammocks, pine-oak scrub and adjacent open areas |
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Wingspan: |
Inches: |
.9 - 1.3 |
Centimeters: |
2.3 - 3.3 |
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Appearance: |
Sexes: |
dissimilar; female duller with less blue |
Compare: |
Great Purple Hairstreak is larger and lacks white M and red spot on ventral hindwing. Southern Hairstreak has longer tails and a more extensive orange submarginal band. |
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| Markings: |
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Above:
- male is bright iridescent blue with broad, black margins and two hindwing tails; female is dull black with blue scaling limited to wing bases
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Below:
- brownish gray; hindwing has a single red eyespot above tail, white spot along leading margin, and a narrow white line forming a distinct M in middle of wing
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Abundance: |
occasional to common |
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Map Legend: Resident (green) | Stray
(Red) |
