Post by trehopr1 on Aug 20, 2021 0:10:00 GMT -8
Gossamer-winged butterflies (Lycaenidae) make up the second
largest family of butterflies with over 6000 species and
counting. They are all of "small" size as butterflies go;
with only a very few exotic species (relatively) ever
reaching the size of a cabbage white (Pieris rapae).
Their family is further sub-divided into seven subfamilies
with several bearing common "group names" such as blues,
coppers, hairstreaks/elfins, harvesters, and sunbeams (Curetinae).
Many of these diminutive butterflies are difficult to find --
much less encounter. Their greatest diversity exists in the tropical
regions of the world however, there is still considerable diversity
present in the palearctic regions.
Here in the U.S. we have considerable species numbers in both the
eastern and western halves of the country. In my piece of the country
(Great Lakes region); two species of "blues" are what I am able to
encounter to any degree when I get out to the fields.
Here is a picture of the sort of habitat that I am most likely to see
these little blue "glimmers" amongst the clover heads.
This little fellow is our Eastern tailed-blue (Cupido comyntas).
He is a male and the species is distinguished from all other blues
within its range by that small thin tail.
Females of the species are much more blackish or
charcoal in color but, many possess varying amounts
of blue "overlay" on the dark background making them
quite beautiful upon closer inspection. Some even have
the black much reduced so as to appear more bluish...
Our other common occurring blue is our Spring Azure
(Celastrina ladon). Here is a wonderful pair I've collected.
The males on this species may appear blue at times
however, some specimens actually arrive in a much
more lavender appearance. Females can be quite
variable in their blue/white appearance and are always
gems of a kind...
All told we here have 3 generations of both of these
species at least; spring, midsummer, and late summer.
Their time as adults it seems is "fleeting" so between
the broods you are unlikely to see any at all.
When standing in a clover field these little fellows only
appear briefly as a glimmer; where upon they light on a
flowerhead briefly feeding and off again they go to parts
unknown.
largest family of butterflies with over 6000 species and
counting. They are all of "small" size as butterflies go;
with only a very few exotic species (relatively) ever
reaching the size of a cabbage white (Pieris rapae).
Their family is further sub-divided into seven subfamilies
with several bearing common "group names" such as blues,
coppers, hairstreaks/elfins, harvesters, and sunbeams (Curetinae).
Many of these diminutive butterflies are difficult to find --
much less encounter. Their greatest diversity exists in the tropical
regions of the world however, there is still considerable diversity
present in the palearctic regions.
Here in the U.S. we have considerable species numbers in both the
eastern and western halves of the country. In my piece of the country
(Great Lakes region); two species of "blues" are what I am able to
encounter to any degree when I get out to the fields.
Here is a picture of the sort of habitat that I am most likely to see
these little blue "glimmers" amongst the clover heads.
This little fellow is our Eastern tailed-blue (Cupido comyntas).
He is a male and the species is distinguished from all other blues
within its range by that small thin tail.
Females of the species are much more blackish or
charcoal in color but, many possess varying amounts
of blue "overlay" on the dark background making them
quite beautiful upon closer inspection. Some even have
the black much reduced so as to appear more bluish...
Our other common occurring blue is our Spring Azure
(Celastrina ladon). Here is a wonderful pair I've collected.
The males on this species may appear blue at times
however, some specimens actually arrive in a much
more lavender appearance. Females can be quite
variable in their blue/white appearance and are always
gems of a kind...
All told we here have 3 generations of both of these
species at least; spring, midsummer, and late summer.
Their time as adults it seems is "fleeting" so between
the broods you are unlikely to see any at all.
When standing in a clover field these little fellows only
appear briefly as a glimmer; where upon they light on a
flowerhead briefly feeding and off again they go to parts
unknown.