Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 758440

Great Purple Hairstreak
Atlides halesus

Observation date: December 10, 2012
Submitted by: opiliones
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: Remains of this individual were trapped in the stinging hairs on the underside of a leaf from Eucnide urens. Many insects were trapped in this way on multiple plants - flies, bugs, butterflies, moths, and grasshoppers. I've never seen anything like it, nor has a botanist colleague of mine. Unfortunately, this was the only example of this species I found.
Status: Resident
Verified by: John Saba
Verified date: December 13, 2012
Coordinator notes: None.
Checklist region(s): United States, Arizona, Mohave County