White M Hairstreak

The White M Hairstreak is an Eastern butterfly ranging from the Great Lakes to the Gulf Coast.  It is common in this area. The White M is a gray butterfly showing closed wings most of the time, other than when flying.  When it flies it shows its startlingly bright blue upper surface.  The name comes from the “M” or “W”, depending on which way you look at the hind underwing. There is a W or M in the bottom corner.  It will typically hang around Oak Trees.