Cupido

Schrank, 1801

Tailed-Blues

Species Guides

2

Cupido is a of small butterflies in the Lycaenidae, commonly known as Tailed-Blues. The genus is confined to the Palearctic region and includes characterized by short tail-like projections on the hindwings. Members of this genus are typically associated with grassland and open , with larvae feeding on various leguminous plants. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with the subgenus Everes sometimes included within Cupido.

Cupido by (c) Eric Haley, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Cupido by (c) Eric Haley, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Cupido by (c) Frank Vassen, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cupido: /kʊˈpiːdoʊ/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Small butterflies with short tail-like projections on the hindwings. Wing undersides typically whitish with black spots and orange lunules near the tails. Males have blue uppersides; females are brownish. Similar to other lycaenid blues but distinguished by the combination of tail projections and specific spot patterns on the undersides.

Images

Habitat

Variable grassland , mostly close to shrublands or forest margins. Some occupy specific such as gravel banks or karstic limestone areas.

Distribution

Palearctic region, extending from Europe through Asia to India, China, and southeast Asia. Some have declined in western Europe while extending their range in southeastern and central Europe.

Seasonality

Multivoltine, with two or three per year in most .

Host Associations

  • Lotus - larval plantFabaceae
  • Medicago - larval plantFabaceae
  • Trifolium - larval plantFabaceae
  • Ulex - larval plantFabaceae

Life Cycle

Multivoltine, usually has two or three per year.

Behavior

Vagrant with weak association with ants compared to some other lycaenid .

Similar Taxa

Tags

Sources and further reading