purple hairstreak

noun

: a hairstreak butterfly that has the wings marked with iridescent purple: such as
a
: a European forest hairstreak (Thecla quercus)
b
: a large American hairstreak (Atlides halesus) with metallic spots on the largely bluish purple to greenish wings

called also giant purple hairstreak

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Dictionary Entries Near purple hairstreak

Cite this Entry

“Purple hairstreak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purple%20hairstreak. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

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