Columbian Blue
Common NameColumbian Blue
Scientific NamePlebejus saepiolus
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)27
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorslight grey, black, orange
HabitatMeadows, open woodlands, subalpine areas
Geographic RangeWestern North America
Host Plantsclover, lupine, vetch
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are slug-like and often associated with ants (myrmecophilous). Pupation occurs near the ground.
Identification TipsLook for the light grey underside with numerous black spots and the prominent submarginal orange crescent band on the hindwing. Males typically have iridescent blue uppersides, while females are often brown with some blue scaling.
Description
A small butterfly with a light grey underside, densely covered in small black spots. The hindwing features a distinct submarginal band of orange crescents.
