Great Purple Hairstreak vs Mormon Metalmark
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Great Purple Hairstreak | Mormon Metalmark |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Atlides halesus | Apodemia mormo |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Lycaenidae | Riodinidae |
| Size | 32-50 mm wingspan | 22-30 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Heathland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Southern United States from California to the Atlantic coast | Western North America from Canada to Mexico |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern (species); some subspecies criticall |
Great Purple Hairstreak
The largest hairstreak in North America with brilliant iridescent blue upperside wings and a bright red-orange abdomen. Its underside is dark with metallic blue and red spots near the tails.
Did You Know?
Its caterpillars feed only on mistletoe, and females seek out this parasitic plant high in oak canopies to lay their eggs.
Mormon Metalmark
A small butterfly with dark brown wings covered in white spots arranged in irregular bands. Several of its subspecies are critically endangered.
Did You Know?
The Lange's metalmark subspecies, restricted to a single sand dune in California, is one of the rarest butterflies in the world.