The Melissa blue ( Plebejus melissa) is a butterfly of the family Lycaenidae. It is found in western North America, from Canada to Mexico.
Taxonomy
The
Karner blue (
Plebejus samuelis) was traditionally considered a
subspecies of the Melissa blue, and was described by the
novelist/
lepidopterist Vladimir Nabokov.
Description
The
wingspan is 22–35 mm. Below, the hindwing orange submarginal band, often with distal iridescent blue points, help to distinguish this species from the more muted colors and markings of the similar
Plebejus idas. The marginal line is wider where the veins intersect. The fringes are not checked.
Behavior and diet
The butterfly flies from April to August depending on the location. The larvae feed on
Lupinus,
Medicago and
Lotus species.
External links
