Brephidium exilis

Western Pygmy Blue

Introduction:

The upperside is copper brown with dull blue at the bases of both wings. The underside of the hindwing is copper brown with white at the base; the fringe mostly white, with 3 small black spots near base, and a row of black spots at outer margin.
Life Cycle:

Size The wingspan is (12–20 mm)
Sexual Dimorphism:
Metamorphosis: complete (egg, larva, pupa, adult)

Insect Data

Names and Taxonomy

Common Names: Western Pygmy Blue
Synonyms: Lycaena exilis, Lycaena fea, Brephidium exilis, Brephidium exilis, Lycaena isophthalma, Brephidium barbouri, Brephidium exilis, 4 subspecies
Order: Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
Family: Lycaenidae (Gossamer-winged Butterflies)
Genus Information: 1 species in NV, 1 in CA, 1 in US

Distribution

Distribution: Southwestern US
Seen: Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve
Habitat: alkaline areas such as deserts, salt marshes, and barren areas
Food:

Photographs

Western Pygmy Blue (Brephidium exilis)

Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve

Western Pygmy Blue (Brephidium exilis)

Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve

Vocabulary Reference Material

Plants, leaf and flower anatomy is essential to properly classify

Sky Island vegetation biomes

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Get in touch

I am usually out hiking, birding or traveling but you can reach me at:

buzardweb@gmail.com