Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 1154159

Lupine Blue
Plebejus lupini

Observation date: July 11, 2016
Submitted by: donahilkey
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: On Rabbitbrush along with Small Wood Nymphs
Status: Resident
Verified by: mikefisher
Verified date: June 24, 2018
Coordinator notes: It is worn but apparently blue above (a male) and has lunules at the edge of the wing above and below so it cannot be the Melissa or Edwards Blue (Plebejus melissa) because it has none on the hindwings above; and the spot pattern is not that of Euphilotes (ancilla) (Ancilla Dotted Blue) so it has to be the "Lupine" Blue. The name is a misnomer because all Plebejus lupini blues feed on Buckwheats (Eriogonum). On the other hand, Boisduval's Blue (Plebejus icaroides) use only Lupine for hosts so that should be the real Lupine Blue. Hope this helps. Thanks for taking the time to submit your sighting. Mike
Checklist region(s): Rio Blanco County, United States, Colorado