Lasaia sula
blue metalmark, Blue Lasaia
Species Guides
1Lasaia sula, commonly known as the blue metalmark or Blue Lasaia, is a small in the Riodinidae. It is native to North America and Central America, with a range extending from southern Texas to Honduras. The species is notable for its metallic blue wing surfaces and inhabits subtropical forest environments as well as disturbed .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Lasaia sula: /ˈlæ.saɪ.ə ˈsuː.lə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
The combination of small size (under 3.5 cm wingspan), metallic blue wings, and checker-spotted grayish-brown surfaces distinguishes this from other regional butterflies. The metallic blue coloration is particularly distinctive among small butterflies in its range.
Images
Appearance
Wingspan measures 2.2–3.2 cm (0.87–1.26 in). wing surfaces are metallic blue. wing surfaces are grayish-brown with checker-spotted patterning.
Habitat
Subtropical forests, forest edges, and agricultural areas. Occurs in both intact forest and human-modified environments.
Distribution
Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas, United States, south through Mexico to Honduras.
Diet
Larval stage feeds on Albizia (leguminous trees). feeding habits not documented in available sources.
Human Relevance
Documented in citizen science platforms with 376 iNaturalist observations, indicating moderate public engagement with this .