hairstreak

hair·streak

noun \-ˌstrēk\

Definition of HAIRSTREAK

: any of a subfamily (Theclinae of the family Lycaenidae) of small butterflies usually having striped markings on the underside of the wings and thin filamentous projections from the hind wings

First Known Use of HAIRSTREAK

1815

Rhymes with HAIRSTREAK

antique, apeak, batik, Belleek, bespeak, bezique, blue streak, boutique, cacique, Cloud Peak, critique, debeak, forepeak, forespeak, Grays Peak, grosbeak, halfbeak, houseleek, Late Greek, midweek, misspeak, muzhik, mystique, newspeak, nonpeak, oblique, off-peak, outspeak, perique, physique, pip-squeak, pratique, technic, technique, Tajik, unique, unspeak, workweek

hairstreak

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Any butterfly in the subfamily Theclinae (family Lycaenidae), sometimes known as gossamer-winged butterflies. Adults are delicate and have a 0.75–1.5-in. (18–38-mm) wingspan. Rapid fliers, hairstreaks usually have iridescent wings and are typically brown or gray with delicate stripes on the bottoms of the wings. Larvae are short, broad, and sluglike. Some species eat plants, many are cannibals, and still others secrete honeydew, a sweet by-product of digestion that attracts ants. Found in open areas on every continent, hairstreaks are most abundant in the New World tropics.