Hodges#4371
Glaucopsyche piasus
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Superfamily: Papilionoidea
- Family: Lycaenidae
- Subfamily: Polyommatinae
- Genus: Glaucopsyche
- Species: piasus
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Glaucopsyche piasus: //ɡlɔːˈkɒpsɪki ˈpaɪəsəs//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Glaucopsyche piasus, commonly known as the arrowhead blue, is a butterfly found in western North America characterized by its violet blue males and checkered fringes. It inhabits open areas and has specific larval host plants from which it derives nourishment.
Physical Characteristics
Checkered fringes; upper-side of males are violet blue with a wide border, females are duller; underside is gray with many small black spots; hindwing has a post-median band of white arrowheads pointing inwards. Wingspan between 1 1/8 inches to 1 3/8 inches wide (2.9 - 3.5 cm).
Identification Tips
Look for the arrowhead pattern on the hindwing and the checkered fringes.
Habitat
Prairie, open woodland, and woodland edges and trails.
Distribution
Western North America.
Diet
Larvae feed on lupine (Lupinus) and milkvetch (Astragalus) species; adults feed on flower nectar.
Life Cycle
One brood from between March to July.
Reproduction
Females lay eggs on flower buds of the host plant.
Tags
- Butterfly
- Glaucopsyche piasus
- Arrowhead Blue
- Western North America
- Lycaenidae
- Lepidoptera