Eastern Pygmy-Blue
Common NameEastern Pygmy-Blue
Scientific NameBrephidium exilis
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)14
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorstan, white, black
HabitatOpen, sunny areas, often near saline or alkaline soils, salt marshes, coastal areas, disturbed fields, desert washes.
Geographic RangeSouthern United States (California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina), Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America.
Host Plantssaltbush, pigweed, lambsquarters
Flight PeriodYear-round in warmer regions; March to November in cooler parts of its range.
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are small, green, and slug-like, feeding on leaves. Pupae are small and green or brown, often attached to host plants. Multiple generations occur annually.
Identification TipsIts extremely small size (the smallest butterfly in North America) is the primary identifier. The underside pattern of light brown with intricate white markings and the row of black spots on the hindwing margin are also key features.
Description
A tiny butterfly with light brown undersides adorned with intricate white patterns. The hindwing features a distinctive row of black spots, some with metallic blue centers, along the outer margin.
