| |
|
|
| Eastern Pygmy-Blue |
Latin
Name: Brephidium isophthalma |
|
|
Genus: Brephidium Species: isophthalma |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comments: |
| Appropriately named, the Eastern PygmyBlue is the smallest butterfly in Florida. Adults have a low, weak flight and scuttle just above the surface of their host plants. Nonetheless, their diminutive size often makes individuals a challenge to follow when on the wing. Easily identified, it is the only blue in the state with a row of four silvery-black spots on the hindwings below. Although abundant in certain locations, individual colonies are often sporadic and highly localized. |
| |
|
Life
Cycle: |
Broods: |
multiple generations |
Egg: |
greenish blue, laid singly on all parts of host |
Larva: |
green with dark head |
Host Plants: |
glassworts |
| |
|
Host
Plants: |
Host
Plants: |
glassworts |
| |
|
Habitat: |
Habitat: |
salt marshes and adjacent coastal areas |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
Wingspan: |
Inches: |
.5 - .75 |
Centimeters: |
1.3 - 1.9 |
| |
|
Appearance: |
Sexes: |
similar |
Compare: |
Ceraunus Blue is larger, gray beneath with single black hindwing eyespot. Cassius Blue is larger, strongly banded beneath with two black hndwing eyespots. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| Markings: |
| |
Above:
- brown with row of dark spots along the outer margin of the hindwing
|
 |
Below:
- brown with numerous white streaks and bands; hindwing margin has row of black spots with silver highlights
|
|
|
|
Abundance: |
occasional; locally abundant |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Map Legend: Resident (green) | Stray
(Red) |
