Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 907742

Great Purple Hairstreak
Atlides halesus

Observation date: June 30, 2013
Submitted by: Christine.Rogers
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: This butterfly was rubbing it's wings together at the ends, making the faux antenna on the ends of it's wings move as though it were a different kind of insect. It's body was very bright orange/red. You can see a video of this same butterfly here: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10200867921932352&set=vb.1593619573&type=2&theater
Status: Resident
Verified by: Ken Davenport
Verified date: July 01, 2013
Coordinator notes: This is a collector's prize and a watchers hope. These are generally scarce because they feed on mistletoes and stay high in the trees. And you are at the edge of the northward range.
Checklist region(s): United States, California, Sacramento County