Anna's Blue
Common NameAnna's Blue
Scientific NamePlebejus anna
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)27
Primary Colorspale blue, grey, orange, black, metallic blue
HabitatMountain meadows, subalpine forests, open woodlands
Geographic RangeWestern North America, including the Rocky Mountains and Pacific Northwest
Host Plantslupines, locoweeds
Flight PeriodJuly to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae feed on legumes and are often tended by ants. They typically overwinter as pupae.
Identification TipsDistinguished by the specific arrangement of black spots and the prominent orange and metallic blue/green submarginal spots on the hindwing underside. Males have a distinctive bright blue upperside.
Description
A small butterfly with a pale blue to greyish-white underside, featuring a pattern of black spots and a submarginal band of orange crescents with metallic blue-green centers on the hindwings. Males have bright blue uppersides, while females are typically brownish.
