Family: Lycaenidae, Gossamer-wing Butterflies view all from this family

Description The Great Purple Hairstreak (Atlides halesus), also called the great blue hairstreak, is a common North American butterfly. The larvae (Caterpillars) feed on mistletoe (Phoradendron) species.

Dimensions 1 1/4-1 1/2" (32-38 mm).

Habitat Forests & woodlands, Freshwater swamps, marshes & bogs, Meadows & fields.

Range Florida, Mid-Atlantic, California, Rocky Mountains, Texas, Plains, Great Lakes, Southeast, Northwest, Southwest.