Lycaenidae
Guides
Lycaena xanthoides
great copper
Lycaena xanthoides, the great copper, is a butterfly species in the family Lycaenidae found in North America. The species has experienced significant regional population declines in California, with documented disappearance from low-elevation sites between Chico and Stockton by 2005. Research indicates it is among multiple butterfly species declining due to climate change and pesticide exposure, particularly neonicotinoids.
Michaelus ira
Shadowed Hairstreak
Michaelus ira is a species of butterfly in the family Lycaenidae, commonly known as the Shadowed Hairstreak. The species was originally described by Hewitson in 1867 under the genus Thecla before being transferred to Michaelus. As a member of the hairstreak group within Lycaenidae, it likely exhibits the characteristic tail-like projections on the hindwings typical of this butterfly lineage.
Ministrymon
ministreaks
Ministrymon is a genus of small butterflies in the family Lycaenidae, commonly known as ministreaks. The genus was established by Clench in 1961 and contains approximately 20 described species distributed across the Nearctic and Neotropical realms. Species are diminutive, typically about the size of a thumbnail. The genus includes Ministrymon janevicroy (Vicroy's Ministreak), a recently described species from Texas distinguished by its distinctive olive-green eyes.
Ministrymon azia
Gray Ministreak
Ministrymon azia, commonly known as the gray ministreak, is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It ranges from the southern United States through Central America to southern Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. The species occupies diverse lowland habitats including deserts and rainforests. Adults are active year-round in tropical regions and from March to September in Florida and Texas.
Ministrymon clytie
Clytie hairstreak, Clytie Ministreak
Ministrymon clytie, commonly known as the Clytie hairstreak or Clytie Ministreak, is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. First described by William Henry Edwards in 1877, this species ranges from the southwestern United States through Mexico to Central America. It inhabits tropical forest openings and subtropical thorn forests. The larvae feed on Pithecellobium species.
Panthiades
Panthiades is a genus of lycaenid butterflies in the tribe Eumaeini (hairstreaks). The genus comprises approximately eight described species distributed throughout the Neotropical region. At least one species, Panthiades bitias, has been documented as myrmecophilous, with immature stages exhibiting ant-associated behavior. Adults are generally small to medium-sized butterflies with the characteristic morphology of hairstreak butterflies.
Phaeostrymon
Phaeostrymon is a genus of hairstreak butterflies (Lycaenidae: Theclinae) established by Clench in 1961. It belongs to the tribe Eumaeini, one of the most diverse groups within the subfamily. The genus contains species distributed in the Neotropical region. Members exhibit the characteristic tail-like hindwing projections typical of hairstreaks.
Philotes sonorensis
Sonoran blue, stonecrop blue
Philotes sonorensis, the Sonoran blue or stonecrop blue, is the sole species in the monotypic genus Philotes. This small butterfly is found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, inhabiting arid rocky environments. The species has a wingspan of 22–25 mm. Larvae are specialized feeders on Dudleya species (stonecrops), boring into leaves. The subspecies P. s. extincta from the upper San Gabriel River wash was declared extinct in 1970 after three decades of annual sampling documented its disappearance.
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.
Philotiella speciosa
small blue
Philotiella speciosa, commonly known as the small blue, is a North American butterfly species in the family Lycaenidae. It is a small blue butterfly with a Hodges number of 4370. The species exhibits diapause, with diapause intensity correlated to host plant bloom periods and elevation. Four subspecies are recognized: P. s. bohartorum, P. s. purisima (lompoc blue), P. s. septentrionalis, and the nominate P. s. speciosa.
Philotiella speciosa purisima
Philotiella speciosa purisima is a subspecies of butterfly in the family Lycaenidae (gossamer-winged butterflies). Described by Priestaf and Emmel in 1998, this taxon represents a geographically distinct population within the Philotiella speciosa species complex. The genus Philotiella is a small North American group within the diverse Lycaenidae family.
Plagiostira albonotata
white-marked shieldback
Plagiostira albonotata, commonly known as the white-marked shieldback, is a species of shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It is a large, robust katydid found in arid regions of the southwestern United States. The species is characterized by distinctive white markings on its body. Observations indicate activity during summer months in desert and semi-desert habitats.
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Blues
Plebejus is a genus of small butterflies in the family Lycaenidae, commonly known as "blues." Species occur in the Palearctic and Nearctic realms. Several species have been observed engaging in mutualistic relationships with ants, where caterpillars produce sugar secretions in exchange for protection. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with several formerly independent genera now tentatively included.
Plebejus anna
Anna's blue
Plebejus anna, commonly known as Anna's blue, is a North American butterfly species in the family Lycaenidae. It was formerly considered conspecific with the northern blue (Plebejus idas) but is now recognized as a distinct species. The butterfly exhibits sexual dimorphism in wing coloration and is univoltine, with adults active during summer months.
Plebejus emigdionis
Emigdio Blue
Plebejus emigdionis, known as the Emigdio Blue, is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. The species is currently classified under the genus Plebulina as Plebulina emigdionis, though it was historically placed in Plebejus. Like other members of this group, it is associated with specific host plants and exhibits typical lycaenid biology including potential ant associations.
Plebejus fridayi
Friday's Blue
Plebejus fridayi, commonly known as Friday's Blue, is a species of butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. The species was described by F. Chermock in 1945. It belongs to the same genus as the Acmon Blue (Plebejus acmon) and Melissa Blue (Plebejus melissa), with which it shares morphological similarities. The genus Plebejus includes small to medium-sized blue butterflies found in North America.
Plebejus glandon
Arctic Blue, Glandon Blue
Plebejus glandon, commonly known as the Arctic Blue or Glandon Blue, is a small lycaenid butterfly found in alpine and arctic regions of Europe. It is currently classified under the genus Agriades by some authorities, though historically placed in Plebejus. The species inhabits high-elevation habitats and has been documented across mountainous regions of central and southern Europe. Like other members of the Lycaenidae family, it likely engages in associations with ants, though specific behavioral details for this species are not well documented in the provided sources.
Plebejus glandon punctatus
Plebejus glandon punctatus is a subspecies of the Arctic blue butterfly, a small lycaenid found in mountainous regions of Europe. The subspecies was described by Austin in 1998 and is currently listed as taxonomically doubtful by GBIF. Like other members of the P. glandon complex, adults are associated with alpine and subalpine habitats where their caterpillars develop in association with ants.
Plebejus glandon rusticus
Rustic Blue
Plebejus glandon rusticus is a subspecies of Arctic Blue butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It belongs to a genus of small, often iridescent blue butterflies commonly known as "blues." The species Plebejus glandon has a Holarctic distribution with multiple described subspecies showing regional variation. Subspecific status indicates geographic differentiation in morphology or ecology from the nominate form.
Plebejus icarioides atascadero
Plebejus icarioides atascadero is a subspecies of the boisduval's blue butterfly complex, historically classified under both Plebejus and Icaricia genera. The subspecies was described in 1998 by Emmel, Emmel, and Mattoon. Current taxonomic databases list it as a synonym of Icaricia icarioides, reflecting ongoing taxonomic revision in the Lycaenidae family. The broader species Icaricia icarioides is known to inhabit western North American grasslands and meadows, with larvae that associate with lupine host plants and form mutualistic relationships with Formica ants.
Plebejus icarioides icarioides
Melissa Blue, Icaricia Blue
Plebejus icarioides icarioides is a subspecies of blue butterfly in the family Lycaenidae, commonly known as the Melissa Blue or Icaricia Blue. The species complex has been subject to taxonomic revision, with this subspecies sometimes placed in the genus Icaricia. It occurs in western North America and is associated with open habitats. The subspecies is part of a broader species group that includes the endangered Fender's blue butterfly (P. i. fenderi), which has been extensively studied for conservation purposes.
Plebejus icarioides lycea
Plebejus icarioides lycea is a subspecies of the Boisduval's blue butterfly, a member of the family Lycaenidae. The species Plebejus icarioides is known to have multiple subspecies distributed across western North America. According to GBIF taxonomy, this subspecies is currently treated as a synonym, with the accepted name being Cupido pembina. The subspecies was originally described by W.H. Edwards in 1864.
Plebejus icarioides missionensis
Plebejus icarioides missionensis is a subspecies of the Mission blue butterfly, a federally endangered lycaenid butterfly endemic 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 genus Icaricia. Its habitat consists of coastal grasslands and scrub where its larval host plant, silver lupine (Lupinus albicaulis), occurs. The subspecies has been impacted by urban development, invasive plants, and fire suppression.
Plebejus icarioides parapheres
Plebejus icarioides parapheres is a subspecies of the Boisduval's blue butterfly complex, originally described from California. It is currently treated as a synonym of Icaricia icarioides parapheres in some taxonomic databases. The species group is associated with leguminous host plants and has been subject to conservation research due to habitat loss pressures affecting related subspecies.
Plebejus icarioides pembina
Plebejus icarioides pembina is a subspecies of butterfly in the family Lycaenidae, historically classified within the genus Plebejus. It is currently recognized as a synonym of Cupido pembina according to GBIF taxonomy. The subspecies was described by W.H. Edwards in 1862. It represents a disjunct population of the Melissa blue complex, with the type locality in North Dakota. The species to which it belongs has been studied for its colonization of alfalfa and associated ecological interactions across the Great Basin region.
Plebejus idas nabokovi
Nabokov's Blue, Lupine Blue
Plebejus idas nabokovi is a subspecies of the Idas Blue butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It is named after the novelist and lepidopterist Vladimir Nabokov. This small blue butterfly is part of the Plebejus idas species complex, which shows considerable geographic variation across its range. The subspecies is associated with lupine host plants and has been studied in the context of butterfly-ant mutualisms and host plant specialization.
Plebejus lupini
Lupine Blue
Plebejus lupini, the Lupine Blue, is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. The species is associated with lupine host plants (genus Lupinus), as indicated by its specific epithet. It occurs in western North America, with records from the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. Like other members of the genus Plebejus, it is part of the diverse blue butterfly radiation in the family Lycaenidae.
Plebejus lupini lutzi
Plebejus lupini lutzi is a subspecies of the Lupine Blue butterfly, first described by Passos in 1938. It belongs to the family Lycaenidae, commonly known as the gossamer-winged butterflies. This subspecies is part of the Plebejus genus, which includes numerous blue butterfly species found across North America. The subspecific epithet 'lutzi' honors an individual, following standard taxonomic naming conventions of the era.
Plebejus lupini texanus
Texas Lupine Blue, Lupine Blue (Texas subspecies)
Plebejus lupini texanus is a subspecies of lupine blue butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It is found in western North America, with records from Alberta and Saskatchewan in Canada. As a member of the Plebejus genus, it likely exhibits the typical blue butterfly characteristics of small size and association with larval host plants in the Fabaceae family, though specific details for this subspecies are limited in available sources.
Plebejus optilete
Cranberry Blue
Plebejus optilete, commonly known as the Cranberry Blue, is a montane lycaenid butterfly species found in European mountain systems. The species has a restricted distribution in Slovenia, limited to six separate sites on the crests of the western Pohorje Mountains. It is associated with silicate grasslands containing abundant Vaccinium species, which likely serve as larval host plants. Population monitoring indicates declining abundance across most sites, with habitat degradation from overgrazing, inappropriate land use, and tourism development posing significant threats.
Plebejus saepiolus
Greenish Blue, Icaricia saepiolus
Plebejus saepiolus, commonly known as the Greenish Blue, is a small lycaenid butterfly native to North America. It is closely related to other Plebejus species such as P. acmon (Acmon Blue) and P. melissa (Melissa Blue), with which it shares similar habitat preferences and morphological features. The species has been documented across western and northern regions of North America including Canada and the northern United States. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits the characteristic blue coloration on the upper wing surfaces of males.
Polyommatinae
Blues
Polyommatinae, commonly known as the blues, is a diverse subfamily of gossamer-winged butterflies within the family Lycaenidae. The group was established in 1775 and takes its name from the type genus Polyommatus, referring to the ocelli (eye spots) on their wings. Males of most species exhibit distinctive blue coloration on the upper wing surfaces, while females are typically brown with blue scales limited to the wing bases. The subfamily contains four recognized tribes: Candalidini, Lycaenesthini, Niphandini, and Polyommatini, with the latter comprising the majority of genera and species. Despite being one of the most species-rich groups within Lycaenidae, Polyommatinae has been historically understudied and its phylogenetic relationships remain in need of revision.
Polyommatus
blue butterflies
Polyommatus is a genus of blue butterflies in the family Lycaenidae, distributed across the Palearctic realm. Recent molecular studies have redefined its boundaries, with former subgenera Cyaniris, Lysandra, and Neolysandra now recognized as separate genera. Some authors continue to recognize additional subgenera including Agrodiaetus, Bryna, Meleageria, and Plebicula. The genus contains species of conservation concern, including critically endangered and vulnerable taxa with specific habitat requirements.
Rekoa marius
Marius hairstreak
Rekoa marius, known as the Marius hairstreak, is a Neotropical butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. Adults exhibit sexual dimorphism in wing coloration, with males showing dark iridescent blue uppersides and females gray. The species ranges from Paraguay to northern Mexico, with occasional strays reaching southern Texas and Arizona. Larvae display complex ecological associations including myrmecophily with carpenter ants and feeding on diverse host plants.
Rekoa palegon
gold-bordered hairstreak
Rekoa palegon, known as the gold-bordered hairstreak, is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It ranges from Argentina through Mexico and the West Indies, with rare occurrences in southern Texas. Adults have a wingspan of 23–28 mm and are active from May through December in Mexico, with a single annual generation. The species has been documented feeding on nectar from Senecio and Eupatorium flowers.
Satyrium behrii
Behr's Hairstreak
Satyrium behrii, the Behr's hairstreak, is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae found in western North America. Adults have a wingspan of 24–32 mm and are active from June to July in a single annual generation. The species inhabits dry slopes and canyons, where adults feed on flower nectar and larvae feed on specific host plants in the Rosaceae family.
Satyrium calanus
Banded Hairstreak
Satyrium calanus, the banded hairstreak, is a common North American butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It is widely distributed east of the Rocky Mountains and exhibits territorial behavior. The species has a single annual brood with adults active from early June to late August. Larvae develop on oaks, hickories, and walnuts.
Satyrium californicum
California Hairstreak
Satyrium californicum is a species of hairstreak butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It belongs to a genus of small butterflies whose larvae typically feed on oaks and other woody plants. Adults in this genus often exhibit canopy-dwelling behavior and may utilize non-nectar food sources such as honeydew and plant exudates. The specific ecology of S. californicum has been less documented than some congeners, though it shares the genus-typical association with ant mutualists and woody host plants.
Satyrium caryaevorus
Hickory Hairstreak
Satyrium caryaevorus, the hickory hairstreak, is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It is found in eastern North America, where adults are active during summer months. The species has one generation per year and overwinters as an egg. Larvae feed primarily on hickory and related tree species, while adults visit flowers for nectar.
Satyrium favonius
Oak Hairstreak, Southern Hairstreak
Satyrium favonius, commonly known as the Oak Hairstreak or Southern Hairstreak, is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae with a wingspan of 22–38 mm. The species is distributed across the eastern and central United States, from southern New England and the Atlantic Coast south to peninsular Florida and west to central Illinois, southeastern Colorado, and the Gulf Coast. The larvae feed on Quercus (oak) species, consuming leaves, buds, and male catkins. The species overwinters as an egg.
Satyrium favonius favonius
Southern Oak Hairstreak
Satyrium favonius favonius, the Southern Oak Hairstreak, is a subspecies of oak hairstreak butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It is one of four recognized subspecies of Satyrium favonius, which collectively range across eastern North America. The species complex exhibits strong associations with oak trees and canopy-dwelling behavior. This subspecific epithet represents the nominate form of the species.
Satyrium kingi
King's Hairstreak
Satyrium kingi, known as King's Hairstreak, is a North American butterfly species in the family Lycaenidae. It was described by Klots and Clench in 1952. The species is part of the hairstreak group, characterized by small tail-like projections on the hindwings. Basic information about its biology and ecology remains limited in published sources.
Satyrium liparops strigosum
Striped Hairstreak
Satyrium liparops strigosum is a subspecies of the Striped Hairstreak butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It belongs to a genus of hairstreak butterflies characterized by small tails on the hindwings and association with ants during larval development. The subspecies designation indicates geographic variation within the widespread S. liparops species complex.
Satyrium tetra
mountain mahogany hairstreak
Satyrium tetra, the mountain mahogany hairstreak, is a North American butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. As a member of the hairstreak group, it exhibits the characteristic small size and hindwing tail-like projections typical of this lineage. The species is associated with mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus) as its larval host plant, distinguishing it ecologically from related Satyrium species that feed on oaks. Adults have been documented through over 1,000 iNaturalist observations, indicating it is not considered rare.
Strephonota tephraeus
Pearly-gray Hairstreak
Strephonota tephraeus is a small lycaenid butterfly with a wingspan of 22–29 mm, commonly known as the Pearly-gray Hairstreak. The species ranges from Mexico through Central America to the Amazon basin and northern South America, with rare vagrant records in southern Texas. It inhabits lowland tropical forests, particularly riparian corridors, and exhibits multivoltine breeding in Mexico with adults active from May through December.
Strymon
Scrub-Hairstreaks
Strymon is a genus of scrub hairstreak butterflies in the family Lycaenidae, comprising small, delicate butterflies found primarily in the Nearctic and Neotropical realms. The genus was historically treated as its own monotypic tribe (Strymonini) due to its distinct evolutionary lineage within the Eumaeini. Species such as the Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus) are among the most widespread and commonly encountered members of this group in North America.
Strymon albata
White Scrub-Hairstreak, white hairstreak
Strymon albata, the white hairstreak or white scrub-hairstreak, is a small lycaenid butterfly distributed from southern Texas through Central America to northern South America. Adults are active year-round in tropical regions and from June to December in southern Texas. The species inhabits second growth and shrubby fields in seasonally dry tropical lowlands. Larvae feed specifically on flower buds and young fruits of Abutilon incanum, while adults nectar on various flowers including blue boneset.
Strymon alea
Lacey's Scrub-Hairstreak, Alea Hairstreak
Strymon alea is a small hairstreak butterfly in the family Lycaenidae, first described by Godman and Salvin in 1887. It ranges from northwestern Costa Rica through Mexico to central and southern Texas, occupying subtropical thorn scrub habitat. The species has a wingspan of 19–29 mm. Adults feed on flower nectar, while larvae feed specifically on Bernardia myricaefolia buds and flowers.
Strymon avalona
Avalon Scrub-Hairstreak
Strymon avalona, the Avalon Scrub-Hairstreak, is a species of butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It is a member of the scrub-hairstreak group within the genus Strymon, which are typically associated with specific host plants and habitats. The species was originally described by Wright in 1905 under the basionym Thecla avalona. Like other Strymon species, it is expected to exhibit hilltopping behavior where males perch on elevated terrain to seek mates.
Strymon bazochii
Lantana Scrub-Hairstreak, Smaller Lantana Butterfly
Strymon bazochii is a small lycaenid butterfly native to the Neotropics, ranging from Paraguay through Central America and the Caribbean to southern Texas. It was deliberately introduced to Hawaii in 1902 as a biological control agent for invasive Lantana species, but failed to establish effective control. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in wing pattern and has a documented association with Lippia and Lantana host plants.