A Green And Brown Butterfly


Brown isn’t an unusual color in a butterfly, but green is unusual. This is a Juniper Hairstreak (Callophrys gryneus). It’s a small butterfly with a wingspan of just 3/4 to 1 1/4 inches.

Native to North America. Here in Virginia the larval host plant is Eastern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana).

This guy in the photo is getting nectar at the flowers of an Applemint (Mentha suaveolens).

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2 responses to “A Green And Brown Butterfly”

  1. I have one that periodically shows up in my Mt mint patch and thought it was an Olive. when I take the camera to find it, it ain’t there, but when the camera ain’t, it oft ti’s. But, it I get a pic, I’ll let you know, seems much greener than you’re Juniper although I’m awash in Juniper trees and Olives I get from the Garden.

  2. Hi Ken! Common names drive me CRAZY!! Juniper Hairstreaks are the same butterfly as the Olive Hairstreak. They are both the Callophrys gryneus, which is the scientific name that I try to include in all my posts. And yes, the colors do vary but they’re the same butterfly!

    So very glad that you read my posts!
    Bren