Gray Hairstreak vs Sulkowsky's Morpho
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Gray Hairstreak | Sulkowsky's Morpho |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Strymon melinus | Morpho sulkowskyi |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Lycaenidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 22-35 mm wingspan | 90-110 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Forests |
| Diet | Fruit Feeders | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Throughout the United States, southern Canada, and into Central America | South America (Peru, Bolivia, Colombia) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Gray Hairstreak
One of the most widespread hairstreaks in North America with slate-gray wings and a bright orange spot near its tail. It uses a remarkably wide range of host plants.
Did You Know?
Its caterpillars feed on plants from over 20 different families, making it one of the most generalist butterfly larvae in North America.
Sulkowsky's Morpho
A high-altitude Morpho butterfly with translucent, pearly-white wings that display a subtle blue iridescence. Unlike most Morpho species, its wings are semi-transparent and appear to glow in sunlight. It frequents cloud forest clearings in the Andes.
Did You Know?
Its translucent wings produce an unusual pearl-like sheen caused by a combination of structural coloration and very thin wing membranes.