Brephidium pseudofea
(Morrison, 1873)
Eastern Pygmy-Blue
Brephidium pseudofea, commonly known as the Eastern Pygmy-Blue, is one of the smallest butterflies in North America. It belongs to the Lycaenidae and is closely related to the Western Pygmy-Blue (Brephidium exilis), from which it can be distinguished by distribution and subtle morphological differences. The is associated with coastal and salt marsh in the eastern United States.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Brephidium pseudofea: /brɛˈfɪdiəm ˌsjuːdoʊˈfiːə/
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Identification
Distinguished from the Western Pygmy-Blue (Brephidium exilis) by its eastern coastal distribution. are extremely small with wingspans typically under 20 mm. Upper wing surfaces are blue-gray with dark margins; undersides are pale with fine dark spotting. The is smaller than most other North American lycaenids and may be overlooked due to its diminutive size.
Images
Habitat
Coastal salt marshes and saline along the eastern seaboard of the United States. Associated with disturbed coastal areas and habitats influenced by salt spray.
Distribution
Eastern United States along the Atlantic coastal plain, from approximately New England southward through the mid-Atlantic and southeastern coastal regions.
Similar Taxa
- Brephidium exilis (Western Pygmy-Blue)Extremely similar in appearance and size; distinguished primarily by western distribution (Great Plains to Pacific coast) versus eastern coastal distribution of B. pseudofea. Some authorities consider the two .