Three-spotted Blue
Common NameThree-spotted Blue
Scientific NameLeptotes trigemmatus
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)24
Primary Colorspurple, blue, brown, white
HabitatOpen areas, meadows, gardens, disturbed habitats
Geographic RangeSouth America (e.g., Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay)
Host PlantsLegumes (Fabaceae)
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, multiple broods
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Eggs are laid on host plants, larvae feed on various parts of the plant, pupate, and emerge as adults. Larvae are often slug-shaped.
Identification TipsLook for the iridescent purple-blue uppersides (males) and the distinctive wavy brown and white patterns on the underside of the hindwings, usually with 2-3 small black spots near the tornus.
Description
A small butterfly with iridescent purple-blue uppersides (males) and intricate wavy brown and white patterns on the underside of the wings, typically featuring small black spots near the hindwing tornus.
