Based on 1,984 research-grade iNaturalist observations in North Carolina, Gray Hairstreak is most often recorded in July; in North Carolina it behaves like a summer visitor / breeder. It ranks #23 among butterflies recorded in the state in our data.
Strymon melinus
Gray Hairstreak in North Carolina by month
Bars show research-grade observations per month. They mix true seasonality with how often people are outdoors, so treat small numbers with caution.
Also seen in North Carolina in July
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
Silver-spotted Skipper
Pipevine Swallowtail
Fiery Skipper
Spicebush Swallowtail
Common Buckeye
Pearl Crescent
Horace's Duskywing
Places to look in North Carolina
Botanical GardenCoker Arboretum
Botanical GardenDaniel Stowe Botanical Garden
State ParkFort Macon State Park
State ParkHanging Rock State Park
State ParkCrowders Mountain State Park
Botanical GardenNorth Carolina Botanical Garden
FAQ
When does Gray Hairstreak appear in North Carolina?
Mainly May–September, with the most records in July.
How common is Gray Hairstreak in North Carolina?
It ranks #23 by number of iNaturalist observations among butterflies in North Carolina (1,984 records in our sample).