Tailed Smoky Blue
Common NameTailed Smoky Blue
Scientific NameCalycopis cecrops
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)27
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsgrayish-brown, orange, black, white
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, forest edges, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States, from Maryland south to Florida, west to Texas and Oklahoma
Host Plantssumacs, oaks, wax myrtle
Flight PeriodMarch to November
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae feed on leaves, pupate, and emerge as adults, typically having multiple generations per year.
Identification TipsKey features for identification are the grayish-brown hindwing underside with a prominent white postmedian line and the bright orange and black spots near the tails. The reddish-brown forewing underside is also distinctive.
Description
A small butterfly with a grayish-brown hindwing underside featuring a distinct white postmedian line and prominent orange patches with black spots near two short tails. The forewing underside is a contrasting reddish-brown.
