Euphilotes glaucon
(W.H. Edwards, 1871)
Glaucon Blue
Euphilotes glaucon is a of in the Lycaenidae, commonly known as the Glaucon Blue. It is currently treated as a synonym of Euphilotes battoides (square-spotted blue or buckwheat blue) by some authorities. The species occurs in western North America and is associated with buckwheat plants as larval .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Euphilotes glaucon: /juːˈfɪloʊtiːz ˈɡlɔːkɒn/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
The is currently synonymized with Euphilotes battoides by GBIF and other sources. Distinguishing features of E. battoides include small size typical of blues, with spotted underwings and blue upperwing coloration in males. Specific diagnostic characters separating E. glaucon from other Euphilotes species would require examination of genitalia and wing pattern details, but these are not clearly established in available literature due to the synonymy.
Habitat
Associated with buckwheat (Eriogonum) plants in dry, open . The broader inhabits western North American environments from low elevations to montane areas.
Distribution
Western North America, from Washington south to Baja California Norte, and east to southern Colorado and New Mexico. Records indicate presence across this range, though specific locality data for E. glaucon as distinct from E. battoides is not clearly documented.
Diet
Larvae feed on buckwheat plants (Eriogonum ). The association with Eriogonum is characteristic of the Euphilotes.
Host Associations
- Eriogonum - larval buckwheat plants
Life Cycle
Complete typical of Lepidoptera: , larva, pupa, . Specific details of development duration and voltinism are not documented separately from the broader E. battoides complex.
Ecological Role
as ; larval herbivore on native buckwheats. Part of the diverse Lycaenidae fauna of western North America.
Similar Taxa
- Euphilotes battoidesCurrently considered the same by GBIF and other taxonomic authorities; E. glaucon is listed as a synonym
- Euphilotes enoptesAnother western North American blue in the same with similar plant associations and preferences
- Euphilotes ancillaRelated in the same with overlapping range and similar