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Lupine Blue

Lupine Blue

Icaricia lupini

A species of Icaricia

Icaricia lupini, the lupine blue, is a butterfly of the family Lycaenidae. It is found from south-western Canada, south through much of mountainous and intermountain western United States and high plains to northern Mexico. The wingspan is 22–29 mm. Adults are on wing from June to August in one generation in the Sierra Nevada of eastern California. Elsewhere, there are several generations from March to July. The larvae feed on Eriogonum umbellatum and Eriogonum fasciculatum. Adults feed on flower nectar. The hairs of the caterpillars can cause skin irritation (urticaria).

General Info About Lupine Blue
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Attributes of Lupine Blue
Colors
Black
White
Orange
Purple
Habitat
canyon; oak woodland; prairie; alpine; weedy opening
Adult Food Sources
Asteraceae (aster or sunflower family), fabaceae (legume or pea family flowers), lamiaceae (mint family), apiaceae (carrot or parsley family), rosaceae (rose family)
Larva Food Source
Fabaceae (legume or pea family), lupinus (lupines), astragalus (milkvetches), lotus (birdsfoot trefoils), medicago (alfalfa or clover)
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Lupine Blue
Common
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Distribution Area of Lupine Blue
South-western Canada, western United States, northern Mexico
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Life Cycle of Lupine Blue
Egg After the female lupine Blue lays the eggs, they are typically round or oval with a protective shell, often laid on host plants. Initial size is minute, color varies, and they serve as a development vessel for larvae.
Larva The larva that emerges from the egg is worm-like with a focus on feeding. It undergoes several molts, growing significantly in size. Its coloration often mimics its surroundings to avoid predators.
Pupal At this stage, the lupine Blue is stationary, undergoing a drastic transformation within a chrysalis. Size may vary slightly, but the main changes occur internally, as tissues reorganize into adult structures.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult lupine 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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Predators of Lupine Blue Larvae
Formicidae (ants), araneae (spiders), ichneumonidae (parasitic wasps), mantodea (praying mantises), aves (birds)
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Scientific Classification of Lupine Blue
Tips for Finding Lupine Blue
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Youth Habitat of Lupine Blue
Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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Adult Habitat of Lupine Blue
Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Forests and Woodlands, Savannas
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How Can You Attract Lupine Blue
For adults, sweet substances like overripe fruits or sugary solutions can act as lures, while caterpillars may be attracted to their specific host plants.
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Habitat Preferences of Lupine Blue Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of lupine Blue are typically found on the leaves or stems of their host plants, usually a species of lupine. As caterpillars, they reside on the underside of leaves, where they feed and develop, often protected by ants in a mutualistic relationship. The pupae are generally attached to leaves or stems of nearby plants or on the ground amongst leaf litter. To find these different stages, one would have to carefully search lupine plants and the surrounding vegetation, examining the undersides of leaves and the debris on the forest floor in areas where these plants are common.
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How and Where Can You Find Lupine Blue at Different Life Stages
Egg Lupine Blue eggs are tiny and laid on or near their specific host plants. Searching the leaves and stems of these plants carefully can reveal the eggs.
Larva Lupine Blue caterpillars will feed on their host plants. Identifying these plants and examining them for signs of feeding such as chewed leaves can lead to finding the caterpillars.
Pupal Lupine Blue chrysalises may be attached to host plants or nearby structures. Spotting them requires a careful inspection for small, camouflaged pupae, often similar in color to the surrounding environment.
Adult Adult lupine Blue are often found flitting around nectaring flowers or basking in the sun. Look for them in meadows, fields, or other open areas with abundant flowers.
Are Lupine Blue harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Lupine Blue
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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
Prefer Plant Type
Lupines
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Lupine Blue engages in pollination primarily as a byproduct of its search for nectar. Attracted by the vivid colors and shapes of lupine flowers, lupine Blue inadvertently collects and transfers pollen as it feeds. This process is vital for the reproduction of many plant species.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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