Imperiled-species
Guides
Philotiella
Philotiella is a genus of small 'blue' butterflies in the family Lycaenidae, subfamily Polyommatinae, native to western North America. The genus contains two recognized species: Philotiella leona (Leona's Blue), described in 2000 and considered imperiled, and Philotiella speciosa (small blue), described in 1877. Research on P. speciosa indicates that diapause intensity varies with elevation and correlates with host plant bloom periods. Philotiella leona has been the subject of population biology and life history studies in south-central Oregon due to its conservation concern.