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Boisduval's blue

Boisduval's blue

Icaricia icarioides

A species of Icaricia

Larvae of boisduval's blue are extremely small and rarely seen. The males' top wing grades from ice blue in the center to deep sky blue, exhibiting a dazzling iridescent fluctuation in range under direct, full sunlight. Black margins on the upper wing sport long, white, hair-like scales. A constellation of jet-black dots frames the extremities of the ventral surface, its pattern adroitly complementing the wing shape and throwing it into spectacular relief against the shimmering silvery pearlescent background. A fascinatingly muted hint of dark ice blue bleeds faintly up from the body, permeating the veins throughout for the palest, most delicate emphasis. The body shape, eyes, antennae, and appendages give it a uniquely exquisite poise. The males' bodies are dark-blue or brown. The females' upper wings are dark brown but otherwise mirror the males'.

General Info About Boisduval's blue
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Attributes of Boisduval's blue
Colors
Brown
White
Blue
Habitat
grassland; lupine
Adult Food Sources
Flowering plants from fabaceae family, asteraceae flowers, lamiaceae flowers, apiaceae flowers, scrophulariaceae flowers
Larva Food Source
Various species of lupines (genus lupinus), astragalus species, lotus species
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Boisduval's blue is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Boisduval's blue is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Boisduval's blue feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
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Life Cycle of Boisduval's blue
Egg The eggs of boisduval's blue are laid on host plants. They are tiny and may be spherical or ovate. Initially, they can exhibit a pale color which might darken over time. This stage is static, with the developing insect entirely contained within the egg.
Larva Upon hatching, the larvae, or caterpillars, of boisduval's blue voraciously feed on the host plant. They display a drastic change in size over time, molting several times. Their coloration often mimics their environment for camouflage.
Pupal Boisduval's blue enters the pupal stage after the final larval molt, encased within a chrysalis. The exterior is typically camouflaged, while internally, the insect is undergoing significant transformation, reorganizing its body structure for adult life.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult boisduval's blue's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Adult Size of Boisduval's blue
2 - 3 cm
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Predators of Boisduval's blue Larvae
Birds, mantises, spiders, rodents, wasps, ants
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Predators of Adult Boisduval's blue
Birds, spiders, rodents, reptiles, larger insects
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Interesting Facts About Boisduval's blue
The boisduval's blue engages in a fascinating mutualistic relationship with ants during its larval stage, where ants protect the larvae in exchange for a sugary secretion.
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Scientific Classification of Boisduval's blue
Tips for Finding Boisduval's blue
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How Can You Attract Boisduval's blue
For luring boisduval's blue, potential bait could include fermented fruit, nectar plants, or artificial pheromones.
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Habitat Preferences of Boisduval's blue Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of boisduval's blue are typically deposited on host plants, so searching for them requires inspecting leaves where they are camouflaged. Caterpillars, once hatched, will be found on or near the host plants upon which they feed. These locations tend to be sunny spots where their particular food plants grow. Pupae may be found in more sheltered areas, such as under leaves or in plant debris near the host plants. Adults, being mobile, can be found in a variety of places, but commonly they are seen visiting flowers for nectar, basking on vegetation, or in suitable open habitat consistent with their flight period, within the range of the host plants where they are most likely to lay their eggs.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Boisduval's blue
The best time to find boisduval's blue is usually during the day when the sun is out, as this is when they are most active for feeding and mating.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Boisduval's blue
Warm, sunny, and calm days are ideal weather conditions for finding boisduval's blue, as they tend to be less active in cold or rainy weather.
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How and Where Can You Find Boisduval's blue at Different Life Stages
Egg Boisduval's blue eggs can often be found on the underside of host plants' leaves. To locate them, examine the host plants by carefully inspecting both the top and bottom surfaces of the leaves.
Larva Boisduval's blue larvae, or caterpillars, are herbivorous and can typically be found on or near their host plants. Look for signs of feeding, such as holes in leaves, and search for the caterpillars themselves among the plant foliage.
Pupal Boisduval's blue pupae may be attached to host plants or hidden in leaf litter or soil. You can find them by delicately inspecting the base of the plants and surrounding detritus.
Adult Boisduval's blue adults are butterflies that can be found feeding on nectar from flowers, basking in the sun, or flying in open or semi-open habitats. Searching flowering areas or setting up bait stations with the appropriate attractants can aid in finding them.
Are Boisduval's blue harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Boisduval's blue
Discover the hidden benefits of insects
Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Shape
Boisduval's blue is a diligent pollinator, flitting from flower to flower. While primarily seeking pollen for sustenance, it inadvertently transfers pollen grains, facilitating plant reproduction. Its intricate interaction with flowers highlights nature's interdependent relationships.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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