Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 938575

Great Purple Hairstreak
Atlides halesus

Observation date: August 24, 2013
Submitted by: Robert Gorman
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: Its amazing how these insects are programed to post up on hill top to find a mate. the male's will chase each other off straight up at very high speed. not returning to there favorite perch until the rival is far away.Hot sunny day, nineties very clear. if you approach slowly they stay very still. when disturbed from there perch they fly up and down on patrol. then most often return to same perch of very close by. look for the highest hill close by to large groves of trees covered with mistletoe. male's will be there all day when warm.
Status: Resident
Verified by: Ken Davenport
Verified date: October 28, 2013
Coordinator notes: None.
Checklist region(s): United States, California, San Diego County