Great Purple Hairstreak 
Atlides halesus

Great Purple Hairstreak, our largest hairstreak, looks purple or brownish on the ventral side depending on the light, but the seldom seen dorsal side is bright blue. It is our only butterfly that uses American Mistletoe (Phoradendron serotinum), Oak Mistletoe ( Phoradendron leucarpum) and other species of mistletoe as its host. Infestations of mistletoe are often found in oaks (Quercus spp.) and other widespread tree species such as Maple, Black Gum and Hickory. It is common statewide with the exception of the Blue Ridge Mountains where none has been recorded. The largest flight is in late winter or early spring beginning as early as January on the Florida line. It has three broods in most of Georgia and perhaps four broods on the Coast from January to November. There are few sightings in January and February, but in the Southern Piedmont near Macon and in the Coastal counties, it is common in March and April. In the Northern Piedmont from Atlanta north, it flies mostly in April. It is common again in late August and September statewide, with late sightings in October and November on the Coast. Early Date: January 6 (Grady County on the Florida line); Late Date: November 18 (Fulton County). Conservation Status: Secure.