Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 1423911

Melissa Blue (includes Karner Blue)
Plebejus melissa

Observation date: May 30, 2026
Submitted by: Cascade Colors
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: This is the most distinctive/colorful one of these I've seen so far - probably because newly emerged? And is the intense orange on the upper wings somewhat unusual?
Status: Resident
Verified by: mikefisher
Verified date: May 31, 2026
Coordinator notes: Your ID is correct...a female with very nice orange bands on the wings as you remark...this is about as fully developed as they get on females of this blue. Mike
Checklist region(s): United States, Colorado, Grand County