Boisduval's Blue
Common NameBoisduval's Blue
Scientific NameIcaricia icarioides
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorspale grey, black, white
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, forest clearings, sagebrush steppe, subalpine areas
Geographic RangeWestern North America, from British Columbia south to Baja California and east to the Rocky Mountains
Host PlantsLupinus spp. (Lupine)
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the host plant. Larvae feed on lupine and are often tended by ants (myrmecophilous). Pupation occurs near the host plant, and the species typically overwinters as a larva.
Identification TipsLook for the characteristic underside pattern of large, distinct black spots ringed with white on a pale background. Males have iridescent blue uppersides, while females are brown, sometimes with blue basal scaling. Often found in association with various species of lupine.
Description
A small butterfly with pale grey-brown undersides featuring a distinctive pattern of prominent black spots, each ringed with white. The body is fuzzy and light-colored, often with a bluish tint.
