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Species Detail
Sonoran Blue
Philotes sonorensis (C. Felder & R. Felder, 1865)
Attributes of Philotes sonorensisFamily: Gossamer-wing Butterflies (Lycaenidae) Subfamily: Blues (Polyommatinae) Identification: Our only blue with red spots on forewing. Upperside silvery blue; forewing of both sexes with red spots at outer margin; hindwing of female also with red spots. Life history: Males patrol with a weak flight near the host plant for females. Eggs are laid singly on the leaves, and caterpillars bore into them to feed. Chrysalids hibernate under stones. Flight: One flight from February-March. Wing span: 7/8 - 1 inch (2.2 - 2.5 cm). Caterpillar hosts: Stonecrop (Dudleya species) in the Crassulaceae family. Adult food: Not reported. Habitat: Rocky washes, outcrops, and cliffs in desert. Range: Very local. Placer County, California west to Santa Clara County; along coast through southern California to Baja California. Conservation: Subspecies extinctis occurred in the upper San Gabriel river wash in southern California, but has been extinct since 1968 when its habitat was destroyed. NatureServe Global Status: G3 - Very rare or local throughout its range or found locally in a restricted range (21 to 100 occurrences). (Threatened throughout its range). Management needs: Protect colonies from habitat modification. | Documented Records for Philotes sonorensis
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