This Gray Hairstreak, Strymon melinus, perched with its well-worn wings open wide, rests after a morning of visiting flowers. This might be a male, as they rest on foliage of shrubs and trees, waiting for a female to show interest in a liaison.
This beauty thrives throughout the continental US and northern Mexico and is common in my garden. I grow some of its host plants, namely several species of mallows. These are small skippers, about an inch in width and length.
Remaining on the leaf of my Mexican Orchid tree for a time, it eventually vacated the leaf for other parts of the garden, no doubt in search of flowers and a mate.
In a busy garden with buzzing bees, fluttering wings, and birdsong, the contemplative moment was a gift.
My Gardener Says... 
If it were here, it would have fluttered to a safer place by now. We have 60-70 mph winds and hail: yee-haw!
I found one of these on my patio a while back. They are tiny, and seem more willing to pose than others. I’m glad you noticed this one!
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Wow! Stay safe and I hope your roof(s) aren’t too damaged with the hail. It blustered up here in the early afternoon, thundered enough that my little Lina hid under our bed for a while. Barely a drop fell out of the sky. I was hoping for a decent soaking.
Hairstreaks (and there are several kinds) are pretty common, but I think they look so exotic. They are tiny and they certainly do seem to enjoy having their photos taken.
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It’s moved through now, and the birds and squirrels are busy having a bedtime snack.
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I’ve sometimes had trouble distinguishing this hairstreak from similar ones in our area like the dusky blue, the red-banded, the banded, the soapberry, and the northern.
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I have to look at a photo to keep them straight. I think they’re such pretty little things; I love them in my garden.
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Nice. I get a couple of hairstreaks here in the yard but not this one. Of course I’m probably not in its distribution range. Your title sounds like a yoga position.
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Actually, I’ll bet you do have this one in your area. If you click on the link, there’s map of its range and it pretty much covers the whole of the US.
Haha–I like that: Resting Hairstreak. You do it after the Downward Dog!
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Ah, I’ll have to be on the lookout for them. Thanks, Tina.
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Love how you captured even the shadows of the antennae. Nicely done!
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I had several decent photos, but I liked this one the best exactly for that reason!
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Those contemplative moments are so special, aren’t they? Beautiful photo, and great information.
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They really are, Beth, and truthfully, these kinds of moments are common in a garden setting; one just has to observe and be open to recognizing the quiet.
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They are pretty little things. And I agree the garden and its visitors do bring happiness.
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They’re beautiful! I always smile when I see one!
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I rarely see these with their wings spread! They do love to keep them closed more often than not!
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That’s exactly why I wanted the photo–such a rarity!
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He is very handsome, even in his slightly battered state. The combination of buzzing, fluttering, singing, and contemplation sounds perfect.
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Yeah, he’s been around a garden or two, no doubt! I love the life that accompanies a diverse garden habitat–it’s an affirmation that ‘if you plant them they will come!’.
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Yes, they will come. And bring the gardener much joy. 😊🦋🐝🐞
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These tiny beauties are so easily missed.
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Tiny and fast–they are definitely hard to miss!
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