White-tipped Blue
Common NameWhite-tipped Blue
Scientific NameEchinargus isola
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsgrayish-brown, blue, white
HabitatArid and semi-arid regions, grasslands, open woodlands, desert washes, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSouthwestern United States (California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas), Mexico, Central America
Host Plantsmesquite, acacia, clover, various legumes
Flight PeriodYear-round in warmer regions; multiple broods from spring to fall elsewhere
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant flowers or leaves. Larvae are small, slug-like, and often tended by ants (myrmecophilous). Pupation occurs near the ground.
Identification TipsLook for the small size, pale grayish-brown underside with faint black spots, and the prominent white fringe or 'tip' on the forewing apex and hindwing margin. Males have iridescent blue uppersides.
Description
A small butterfly with a pale grayish-brown underside, typically marked with a series of small black spots and a distinctive white fringe along the wing margins, particularly noticeable at the forewing apex.
