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Species Detail
Nickerbean Blue
Cyclargus ammon (Lucas, 1857)
Attributes of Cyclargus ammonFamily: Gossamer-wing Butterflies (Lycaenidae) Subfamily: Blues (Polyommatinae) Identification: Upperside mostly bright blue; female hindwing with orange spot at lower edge. Underside of both sexes with only 3 basal black spots. One of two eyespots at corner of outer margin is always capped with red. Very similar to the Miami Blue. Life history: Eggs are laid singly on flower buds of host plant. Caterpillars feed on flowers and may live inside the pods, eating seeds. Flight: Throughout the year in Florida. Adults are in reproductive diapause during the winter generation from December-April. Wing span: 7/8 - 1 1/8 inches (2.2 - 3 cm). Caterpillar hosts: Nickerbean (Cesalpinia bahamensis). Adult food: Flower nectar including that of Croton. Habitat: Openings and edges of tropical hardwood hammocks. Range: Big Pine Key, Florida and West Indies. Conservation: Population on Big Pine Key is only U.S. population and should be protected from extirpation by aerial spraying for mosquitoes. NatureServe Global Status: G4G5- Apparently or demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery. Management needs: Preserve habitat of caterpillar plant and nectar sources. | Documented Records for Cyclargus ammon
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