First time I ever seen this hairstreak before, I usually see Red-banded or Grey, this was certainly a bonus on my trip to Chassahowitzka WMA.
Great Purple Hairstreak | Photo by Alice Mary Herden
To see this butterfly in person is amazing, the blue and orange colors are truly fantastic and what a cute face!
I wish I had more time photographing before it flew off, luckily their flight season is February – November so hopefully I will be able to get another chance.
Mistletoe is their host plant.
The Great Purple Hairstreak | Alice Mary Herden
Links:
http://www.alabama.butterflyatlas.usf.edu/species/details/20/great-purple-hairstreak
https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/wildflower/completeButterflyData.asp?id=20
http://www.carolinanature.com/butterflies/flaleps.html
http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/bfly/purple_hairstreak.htm
Categories: Butterflies, Chassahowitzka WMA, Insects, Pollinators
Florida Nature 