The White M Hairstreak butterfly looks plain and brown while nectaring, but when it flies, it delivers a flash of electric blue. The undersides are gray/brown Its hindwing has a single red spot above the tail, a white spot along the margin, and a thin white line that forms an “M” in the middle of the wing. The male wing upperside is iridescent blue with broad black margins; the female upperside has black with blue scaling at the wing bases. There are 2 hindwing tails.

White M Hairstreak Wings Closed

“White M Hairstreak” by Pondhawk, licensed under (CC BY 2.0)

 

White M Hairstreak Wings Open

“White M Hairstreak” by Roy Cohutta, licensed under (CC BY-ND-NC 1.0)

 

White M Hairstreak Facts

Butterfly Family: Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae)

Butterfly Subfamily: Theclinae

Butterfly Wingspan: 1 1/4 – 1 5/8 inches

Butterfly Habitat: Woods with broadleaf trees

 

White M  Hairstreak Host and Nectar Plants

Host Plants:

• Various Species of Oak
  • White Oak
  • American Basswood Oak

Nectar Plants:

• Sumac
• Sourwood
• Wild Plum
• Common Milkweed
• Dogwood
• Goldenrod
• Sweet Pepperbush
• Asters
• Sweetspire