Subject: Hopefully you can help me!
Location: Copperas Cove, TX
April 8, 2017 10:11 pm
Hello!!
While on a walk today I came across something interesting. I’ve never seen one before and am really wondering what it is. I thought a moth of some kind but was not sure. Any help is appreciated!!
Signature: D.H.
Dear D.H.,
This is not a Moth. It is a newly eclosed Butterfly, the Great Purple Hairstreak, Atlides halesus. When Butterflies and Moths emerge from the Pupa, their wings are not yet fully expanded, and your individual has recently emerged from the pupal stage, known as the Chrysalis, and its wings have not yet fully expanded. Until the wings expand, it will not be able to fly. According to BugGuide, it is: “Iridescent bluish green to purple on the thorax and basal half of the wings. Ventrally all of the wings have a crimson spot near the base; ventral forewing otherwise plain brown (female) or brown with patch of blue (male); ventral hind wing with three rows of greenish spots near the apex. Males have a large scent patch on the upper side of the front wing.” The Great Purple Hairstreak is a beautiful butterfly.