Often underappreciated because they're so abundant, but stunning when seen up close. This one is on White Clover growing in the lawn.

Fort Fisher, New Hanover Co., NC 5/15/04.

This one is nectaring on Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum).

Chatham Co., NC 9/21/14.

Gray Hairstreak is perhaps the most common and widespread hairstreak in the U.S. They aren't very different looking in Oregon.

Jefferson Co., OR 8/1/06.

Or Florida.

Bahia Honda State Park, Monroe Co., FL 6/25/2010.

Key West, Monroe Co., FL 6/27/2010.

Gray Hairstreaks bask in the sun more often than many hairstreaks. The upper surfaces of the wings are mostly gray, with prominent red-orange spots matching those on the underside.

Durham Co., NC 8/15/10.

New Hanover Co., NC 8/29/09.

Person Co., NC 6/13/06.

Durham Co., NC 8/19/07.

A late one enjoying a dandelion flower.

Dare Co., NC 11/6/05.

Same individual, rubbing its wings together and revealing some of the pattern on the upper surface of the wing.

When their wings are spread, Gray Hairstreak may easily be confused with female Eastern Tailed-Blue, which has two orange spots on the trailing edge of the hindwing instead of one. Note also the orange leading edge of the forewing, which Eastern Tailed-Blue lacks.

Jefferson Co., OR 8/1/06.

One of our most common and widespread hairstreaks. Note the distinctive orangish color on top of the head, which isn't found on Satyrium hairstreaks or other "interesting" species. Carroll Co., VA 8/8/02.

San Ygnacio, Zapata Co., TX 6/6/04.

This one has an unusual amount of red on the postmedian line.

Hidalgo Co., TX 10/18/04.