Eastern Pygmy-Blue
Brephidium isophthalma
Description
1/2-3/4" (13-19 mm). Tiny. Male uniform brown above, female reddish; blue absent or merely a dusting. Below, gray-brown with dark fringes and little or no white at base; blue and
black spots on HW margin; white striations across wings.
Similar Species
Western Pygmy-blue has whitish fringes, bases of wings whitish on underside; ranges usually do not overlap.
Life Cycle
Pale greenish caterpillar feeds on the salt marsh plants, glasswort (Salicornia) and saltwort (Batis).
Flight
Multiple broods; peaking in February, April, June, and September.
Habitat
Salt marshes and tidal flats.
Range
Coastal Alabama, Georgia, and Florida.
Discussion
The smallest eastern butterfly is not as widespread as its western counterpart, lacking the strong emigratory and colonizing tendency of the Western Pygmy-blue. At times it is rare or nearly absent, then suddenly for a short while this species becomes very common. This blue hugs the coastline, flying low and slowly over its salty habitat.
Source
