Great Purple Hairstreak (Atlides halesus)

In NC, these are uncommon and local in the coastal plain and rare in the piedmont. The upperside (seen only in flight) is a deep, rich blue. Great Purple Hairstreaks seem to have 3 broods in NC, two in the spring and one in the late summer. Mistletoes are the caterpillar host plants.

Great Purple Hairstreak (Atlides halesus) nectaring on Flattop Goldenrod (Solidago microcephala)

Dare Co., NC
4 Oct 2009

Many are now calling this species "Great Blue Hairstreak", a name that is probably more appropriate.

Great Purple Hairstreak (Atlides halesus) nectaring on Climbing Hempvine (Mikania scandens)

Hyde Co., NC
16 Sep 2006

Great Purple Hairstreak (Atlides halesus) crawling on Flattop Goldenrod (Euthamia caroliniana)
Scotland Co., NC
1 Oct 2006

Great Purple Hairstreak (Atlides halesus)
Chowan Swamp Gamelands, Hertford Co., NC
20 Sep 2023

Great Purple Hairstreak (Atlides halesus)
Orange Co., NC
1 May 2006


Great Purple Hairstreak (Atlides halesus) Chatham Co., NC 17 Sep 2005	Great Purple Hairstreak (Atlides halesus) Orange Co., NC 8 Sep 2005

Great Purple Hairstreak (Atlides halesus)
New Hanover Co., NC
31 August 2003

	Great Purple Hairstreak (Atlides halesus) Chatham Co., NC 17 Sep 2005 Here's a view of the rear end of Great Purple Hairstreak. Note the combination of flare of the corners of the wings with the "tails" gives an impression of large eyes and antennae.

Great Purple Hairstreak (Atlides halesus)
Jones Co., NC
21 Oct 2007


Great Purple Hairstreak (Atlides halesus) Jones Co., NC 21 Oct 2007	Great Purple Hairstreak (Atlides halesus) Jones Co., NC 21 Oct 2007


Great Purple Hairstreak (Atlides halesus) Jones Co., NC 21 Oct 2007	Great Purple Hairstreak (Atlides halesus) Craven Co., NC 21 Oct 2007