Plebejus idas nabokovi
Nabokov's Blue, Lupine Blue
Plebejus idas nabokovi is a of the Idas Blue in the Lycaenidae. It is named after the novelist and lepidopterist Vladimir Nabokov. This small blue butterfly is part of the Plebejus idas , which shows considerable geographic variation across its range. The subspecies is associated with lupine plants and has been studied in the context of butterfly- mutualisms and host plant specialization.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Plebejus idas nabokovi: /ˈpliːbɛ.jəs ˈiː.das nəˈbɑː.kɔ.viː/
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Distribution
Western North America, including parts of the Rocky Mountains and associated ranges. The subspecific epithet honors Vladimir Nabokov's contributions to lepidopterology.
Host Associations
- Lupinus - larval plantLupines are the primary plants for Plebejus idas larvae
Human Relevance
Named after Vladimir Nabokov, reflecting his significant contributions to the of Polyommatine butterflies. This naming connection highlights the intersection of literature and entomology.
Similar Taxa
- Plebejus acmonBoth are small blue lycaenid butterflies in the same ; P. acmon (Acmon Blue) is more widespread in western North America and differs in wing pattern details and plant associations
- Plebejus idas idasNominate ; geographic separation and subtle differences in wing and coloration distinguish subspecies
- Plebejus melissaFormerly treated as or closely related; Melissa Blue has been subject to extensive taxonomic revision and hybridization studies with P. idas in some regions
More Details
Taxonomic History
The epithet 'nabokovi' was established to honor Vladimir Nabokov's meticulous work on the of blue butterflies, particularly his research on the Plebejus and related polyommatines during his time at Harvard University's Museum of Comparative Zoology in the 1940s.
Research Context
Members of the Plebejus idas , including this , have been important study organisms for understanding plant specialization, hybridization, and the evolution of diet breadth in lycaenid butterflies.