July 17, 2026
Rare creatures around the world. Green in the world of butterflies is one of the scarcest of colors. These greens are created by way of using structural coloration and natural pigments. Wings of the green butterfly are covered with small prism like scales bending and reflecting light, all colors except green get cancelled out. This is structural coloration.
The Juniper Hairstreak (Callophrys gryneus) is one of the very few green butterflies native to Virginia. A tiny butterfly with a wingspan of just one inch. Its single host plant is the Eastern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana).
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2 responses to “A Juniper Hairstreak”
This precious little creature is a blessing to behold. Was this one on your mountain? I would have loved to see one on Amicus Road. Thank you, as always.
Hi Julie! How very nice to hear from you! Yes, this sweet tiny butterfly is indeed fluttering around up here on Snow Mountain. There are many Eastern Redcedar trees (Juniperus virginiana) up here, which is their only host plant.
So very glad you read my posts!
Bren