White M Hairstreak (Parrhasius m-album)

This special butterfly occurs throughout North Carolina, but it is uncommon to rare and is always exciting to find! It is 3 brooded, flying from late February to late October. At first glance, it could be confused with Gray Hairstreak, but note that White M Hairstreaks have an additional white mark on the leading edge of the underhindwing, a stronger "M" or "W" mark on the outer corner of the underhindwing, and a red-orange spot that's more inset from the wing margin. And when seen in flight, the uppersides flash a brilliant blue!


Orange Co., NC 8 Sep 2005	Haywood Co., NC 15 Apr 2006

Rarely seen in the wild, except fleetingly in flight, the uppersurface of White M Hairstreaks is a brilliant blue color. These hairstreaks do not normally perch with open wings.

Clay Co., NC
13 May 2006


VERY worn individual First Duke Forest record for month of June Orange Co., NC 10 June 2008

North Carolina Butterflies | North American Butterflies | Jeff's Nature Page

Created on ... Sep 8, 2005 | Update on ... Nov 22, 2006 | jspippen@duke.edu