Western Pygmy Blue
Image: AmethystDreams (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common NameWestern Pygmy Blue
Scientific NameBrephidium exilis
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)14
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, blue
HabitatArid and semi-arid regions, salt marshes, alkali flats, disturbed areas, coastal areas
Geographic RangeWestern North America, Central America, Arabian Peninsula
Host PlantsAtriplex, Salicornia, Suaeda, Chenopodium, Caroxylon imbricatum
Flight PeriodYear-round in warm climates; multiple broods from spring to fall in temperate zones
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are small, slug-like, and feed on leaves and flowers. Pupation occurs on or near the host plant, with multiple generations per year.
Identification TipsIts extremely small size (often less than 2 cm wingspan) is the most distinguishing feature. Look for the dull brown upperside and the grey-brown underside with tiny black spots, sometimes with metallic blue centers, on the hindwing.
Description
This is the smallest butterfly in North America, characterized by its minute size, dull brown upperside, and a mottled grey-brown underside with a row of small black spots, often with metallic blue scales, along the hindwing margin.
