Plebejus icarioides missionensis
Hovanitz, 1937
Plebejus icarioides missionensis is a of the Mission blue , a federally endangered lycaenid butterfly to a restricted range in coastal California. The subspecies is part of a complex that has been subject to taxonomic revision, with some authorities placing it in the Icaricia. Its consists of coastal grasslands and scrub where its larval plant, silver lupine (Lupinus albicaulis), occurs. The subspecies has been impacted by urban development, plants, and fire suppression.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Plebejus icarioides missionensis: //plɪˈbiː.dʒəs ɪˌkɛr.iˈɔɪ.diːz ˌmɪʃ.əˈnɛn.sɪs//
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Habitat
Coastal grasslands and scrub in the San Francisco Bay Area, specifically associated with silver lupine (Lupinus albicaulis) as the larval plant.
Distribution
to coastal California, specifically the San Francisco Bay Area including the San Bruno Mountain and surrounding areas.
Host Associations
- Lupinus albicaulis - larval plantSilver lupine is the primary plant for larval development.
Human Relevance
The Mission blue (Plebejus icarioides icarioides/missionensis complex) was one of the first insects added to the U.S. List in 1976. Conservation efforts have focused on protection, plant removal, and prescribed burning to maintain early-successional habitat. The has been central to debates about urban development limits and endangered species protection in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Similar Taxa
- Plebejus icarioides icarioidesThe nominate of Mission blue ; morphologically similar and geographically adjacent, requiring careful examination of wing patterns and genitalia for differentiation.
- Plebejus acmonAcmon blue shares similar size, blue coloration, and preferences in California; distinguished by differences in wing pattern and plant associations.