Cassius Blue
Common NameCassius Blue
Scientific NameLeptotes cassius
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorswhite, brown, gray
HabitatGardens, open fields, disturbed areas, forest edges, coastal dunes
Geographic RangeSouthern United States (Florida, Texas), Mexico, Central America, Caribbean, South America
Host PlantsPlumbago, Crotalaria, Chamaecrista, Indigofera
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; March to November in subtropical areas
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are small, slug-like, and variable in color, feeding on flowers and young leaves. Multiple generations occur annually in its range.
Identification TipsLook for its small size and the distinctive pale underside with intricate brown spotting and wavy lines. Males typically have iridescent blue uppersides, while females are duller brown or gray-blue.
Description
A small butterfly with a pale white to light gray underside, intricately patterned with irregular dark brown spots and wavy lines across both forewings and hindwings.
