Corralitas Drive: Bee Joins Hairstreak Butterfly In The Chives

Photo: Diane Edwardson, August 22, 2013.  A very small silver-blue butterfly caught my eye while I had a camera in hand.  It was taking its time drinking from the chives, completely ignoring the bee on the same stalk of flowers.  (Click on photos to enlarge.)

Loyal readers & bee enthusiasts may remember, bees had an unusual attraction to the dirt the chives were planted in.  They still do, but right now the flowers are a bigger attraction.
Photo: Diane Edwardson, August 22, 2013.  There are 5 Hairstreak butterfly species on the UCI Butterflies of Orange County website.  (It's easier to use than Butterflies and Moths of North America.) 

I'm guessing this might be a Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus pudica) due to the fringe swirls on the tail. 

Photo: Diane Edwardson, August 22, 2013.  You have to marvel at the evolutionary advantage of orange eyespots & fake antenna on the tail to discourage predators. 

Click here for all our butterfly posts.