Mission Blue
Image: Not stated (Public domain)
Common NameMission Blue
Scientific NameIcaricia icarioides missionensis
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)27
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsblue, black
HabitatSerpentine grasslands, coastal scrub, chaparral
Geographic RangeSan Francisco Bay Area, California, USA
Host PlantsLupinus albifrons, Lupinus formosus, Lupinus variicolor
Flight PeriodMarch to June
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusendangered
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on the host lupine plants. Larvae feed on leaves and flowers, often forming symbiotic relationships with ants. They overwinter as larvae before pupating.
Identification TipsMales are iridescent blue on the upperside, while females are duller blue to brownish. Both sexes have a distinctive row of black spots, often ringed with white, on the underside of the hindwings.
Description
A small, vibrant blue butterfly, typically with a series of black spots on the underside of its hindwings, as depicted in this illustration of a male.
