hairstreak

noun

hair·​streak ˈher-ˌstrēk 

: 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

Examples of hairstreak in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Overall, American mistletoe is quite a beneficial member of this area’s natural ecosystem, providing early-season flowers for bees, serving as a host plant for the state-rare great purple hairstreak butterfly, and providing food and shelter for an array of bird and mammal species. —Miri Talabac, baltimoresun.com, 20 Jan. 2022

So rather than tract housing, the prairies are home to rare and unusual plants and insects, such as the Acadian hairstreak, bunchgrass skipper and dusky wing butterflies. —Paul Eisenberg, chicagotribune.com, 27 Sep. 2020

Last summer, the elusive white-letter hairstreak butterfly was spotted in Scotland for the first time in 133 years. —Brigit Katz, Smithsonian, 19 Feb. 2018

The Butterfly Conservation team has observed the white-letter hairstreak gradually spreading northwards, possibly due to warming climates. —Brigit Katz, Smithsonian, 19 Feb. 2018

The white-letter hairstreak, which is native to the UK, has come under severe threat in recent years. —Brigit Katz, Smithsonian, 17 Aug. 2017

In 1884, a white-letter hairstreak butterfly was spotted flitting about in Scotland. —Brigit Katz, Smithsonian, 17 Aug. 2017

The Fulvous hairstreak, another brown butterfly that feeds on Brazilian pepper, is now showing up north of Melbourne. —Jenny Staletovich, miamiherald, 7 June 2017

Word History

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

hairstreak

noun

hair·​streak -ˌstrēk 

: any of various small butterflies with hairlike tails sticking out from the hind wings