Western Tailed-Blue
Common NameWestern Tailed-Blue
Scientific NameCupido amyntula
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorspale blue, white, black
HabitatMeadows, open woodlands, stream sides, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeWestern North America, from Alaska south to California and east to the Rocky Mountains
Host Plantsclover, vetch, alfalfa, lupine
Flight PeriodApril to September (multiple broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the flower buds or young pods of host plants. Larvae feed on the flowers and developing seeds, often tended by ants. Pupation occurs on or near the host plant.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its small size, pale blue-white underside with a sparse pattern of small black spots, and the presence of a very short, fine tail on the hindwing, often accompanied by a small orange-capped black spot near the tail.
Description
A small butterfly with a pale blue to whitish underside, featuring a few small black spots and a distinctive tiny tail on each hindwing.
