The Thicket Hairstreak is a true forest butterfly, spending most of it’s time up in the trees. I have a hard time finding butterflies that do that. These are most likely male, as they were puddling.

42.87051, -121.84763 At a mud puddle where Sand Creek crosses the road

July 8, 2023

A fellow Washington Butterfly Association member told me that the green sheen is a sign that the individual is newly eclosed. Judging by the date, I think this would be from a second brood.

Notes:

• Look for it late April to Mid August in conifer forests where Mistletoe is present.
• Nectars on yellow…pearly everlasting, buckwheats.