Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 940838

Great Purple Hairstreak
Atlides halesus

Observation date: February 06, 2012
Submitted by: Robert Gorman
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: Hill topping on deer weed and lemonade berrie second day i saw them there, they returned to the same spot for most of the month. was very lucky to have them there where the dog and i walked regular route. Have read in some books there partial hill toppers. seemed to be the case this year. Have photo's from a three to four week period they were there. have also seen them on other hills in the area. they remind me of minnie mouse on close up of there face due to all the white, black and red. always see them with wings closed unless flying. then blinding blue flashes. wow!
Status: Resident
Verified by: Ken Davenport
Verified date: December 05, 2013
Coordinator notes: None.
Checklist region(s): United States, California, San Diego County