Parrhasius m-album
(Boisduval & Le Conte, 1833)
white M hairstreak, White-M Hairstreak
Parrhasius m-album is a small (wingspan 32–41 mm) with metallic blue upper wings and a distinctive silver underside marked by an M-shaped pattern. Females are larger than males. The is strongly associated with oak throughout the southeastern and central United States.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Parrhasius m-album: //pəˈreɪziəs ɛm ˈælbəm//
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Identification
Distinguished by the characteristic M-shaped white marking on the silver-colored hindwing. Upper wings show iridescent metallic blue coloration, particularly near the wing bases. Females are noticeably larger than males. The small size (32–41 mm wingspan) and -like tail projections on the hindwing help separate it from larger lycaenids.
Images
Habitat
Clearings and edges of oak-dominated woodlands. Strongly tied to oak growth (Quercus spp.), particularly in open or semi-open forest conditions.
Distribution
United States: western Connecticut west to southeast Iowa, south through Missouri to east Texas, along the Gulf Coast, and throughout peninsular Florida. Rare strays have been recorded in Michigan and Wisconsin.
Diet
Larvae feed on oak (Quercus), specifically documented on Quercus virginiana (live oak) and other Quercus spp. diet not specified in sources.
Host Associations
- Quercus virginiana - larval primary
- Quercus spp. - larval additional oak
Similar Taxa
- Other Parrhasius speciesShare -level characteristics; P. m-album distinguished by M-shaped marking and specific geographic range
- Other Theclinae hairstreaksSimilar size and wing shape; separated by the distinctive M-pattern on silver underside and metallic blue iridescence