Tailed Meadow Blue
Common NameTailed Meadow Blue
Scientific NameCupido comyntas
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)22
Primary Colorswhite, gray, orange, black
HabitatMeadows, fields, open woodlands, gardens, roadsides
Geographic RangeSouthern Canada, United States, Mexico, Central America
Host Plantsclover, alfalfa, vetch, trefoil, tick-trefoil
Flight PeriodApril to October (multiple broods)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant flowers or buds. Larvae are slug-like, often green or brown, and feed on flowers and developing seeds. Pupae are typically green or brown and are often found near the base of host plants or in leaf litter. Multiple generations occur per year.
Identification TipsLook for the characteristic one or two slender tails on each hindwing, combined with the orange and black spots on the pale underside of the hindwings. The upperside color (blue for males, brown for females) is also a key identifier.
Description
A small butterfly with a pale gray to white underside, featuring several small black spots and distinctive orange patches with black spots and iridescent blue scales near the hindwing tails. Males typically have iridescent blue uppersides, while females are usually brown.
