Reakirt's Blue
Common NameReakirt's Blue
Scientific NameEchinargus isola
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, white, black, orange, blue
HabitatOpen fields, meadows, disturbed areas, roadsides, urban gardens
Geographic RangeSouthern United States, Mexico, Central America, and northern South America
Host Plantsalfalfa, clover, vetch, mesquite, various legumes
Flight PeriodYear-round in warmer climates, multiple broods from spring to fall in temperate regions
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are small, green, and slug-like, often associated with ants. Pupae are typically green or brown and can be found on or near host plants.
Identification TipsKey features for identification are its small size, the intricate pattern of white-ringed black spots on the pale underside, and especially the distinctive orange-ringed black spot on the hindwing near the tail area.
Description
A small butterfly with a pale grayish-brown underside featuring a complex pattern of white-ringed black spots and a prominent orange-ringed black spot near the hindwing tornus. Males typically have iridescent blue uppersides, while females are brownish with some blue scaling.
