Cupido comyntas

(Godart, 1824)

Eastern Tailed-Blue, Eastern Tailed Blue

Cupido comyntas, commonly known as the eastern tailed-blue, is a medium-sized native to eastern North America. It is distinguished from other blue butterflies in its range by the presence of a small thin tail on each hindwing. The has been observed in laboratory settings by researchers studying butterfly and toxicology, and is considered a favorite among some entomologists due to its accessibility for study.

Cupido comyntas by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

366 Eastern Tailed-blue, Cupido comyntas, Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Woodbridge, Virginia by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Cupido comyntas 161148783 by Eric Baratta. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cupido comyntas: /kuːˈpiː.doʊ koʊˈmɪn.təs/

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

Identification

The small thin tail on each hindwing is the key diagnostic feature separating this from other blue butterflies (Lycaenidae) in eastern North America. The tail is absent or reduced in related species such as the spring azure (Celastrina ladon) and the summer azure (Celastrina neglecta). The eastern tailed-blue can also be distinguished by its wing pattern of small dark spots with orange marginal markings.

Images

Appearance

Medium-sized with blue upper wing surfaces. Hindwings bear a small thin tail that distinguishes it from other blue butterflies in its range. wing surfaces are typically grayish with small dark spots and orange marginal markings. Males have more extensive blue coloration on upper wings; females are often darker with more brown or gray tones.

Habitat

Open areas including meadows, fields, roadsides, and gardens. Associated with leguminous plants for larval development.

Distribution

Eastern North America, ranging from southern Canada through the eastern United States. Distribution records include Vermont and other eastern US states.

Seasonality

Multiple throughout the growing season; active from spring through fall in most of its range. Specific varies by latitude.

Diet

feed on nectar from various flowers. Larvae feed on legumes (Fabaceae), including clovers (Trifolium ), wild pea (Lathyrus species), and other herbaceous legumes.

Host Associations

Trifolium - larval food plantclovers
Lathyrus - larval food plantwild pea and related
Fabaceae - larval food plantvarious herbaceous legumes

Life Cycle

Complete with , larva, pupa, and stages. Larvae feed on plant foliage and flowers. occurs on or near host plants. Multiple per year in most of range.

Behavior

are active fliers, often staying low to the ground. Males patrol for females and perch on vegetation. Both sexes visit flowers for nectar. When disturbed, adults may rub their hindwings together, possibly as a distraction display involving the tail-like projections.

Ecological Role

serve as . Larvae function as herbivores on leguminous plants. The serves as a food source for various including birds, spiders, and .

Human Relevance

Used as a model organism in entomological research, particularly in studies of and toxicology. Frequently encountered by citizen scientists and butterfly watchers. Not considered a pest .

Similar Taxa

Cupido amyntulaWestern tailed-blue; similar appearance but occurs in western North America, ranges do not overlap
Everes argiadesShort-tailed blue; has shorter tail and different distribution
Celastrina ladonSpring azure; lacks hindwing tail entirely
Celastrina neglectaSummer azure; lacks hindwing tail entirely

More Details

Taxonomic History

The has been placed in multiple historically, including Everes and Elkalyce, but is currently classified in Cupido by most authorities. Some sources still recognize Everes comyntas as a valid name.

Research Significance

Researchers at the University of Maryland, College Park have maintained laboratory colonies of this for studies on , making it an important model for understanding lepidopteran development and .