Hilltopper
Guides
Strymon melinus
Gray Hairstreak
Strymon melinus, the Gray Hairstreak, is a small lycaenid butterfly widespread across North America. Males exhibit density-dependent mating tactics, defending perches on hilltops at low densities and switching to patrolling behavior when intruder numbers increase. The species thrives in weedy, disturbed habitats and urban environments, with a notably long flight season from February to November at low elevations. It is considered stable or increasing in parts of its range, including California's Central Valley.