20 Blue Butterfly Species

Butterflies are fascinating creatures that come in various colors, shapes, and sizes. In particular, blue butterflies are a popular choice for collectors and nature enthusiasts. In this article, I will introduce you to 20 blue butterfly species. Each species has its unique characteristics, from habitat to lifespan.

You’ll learn about the Karner Blue, Eastern Tailed-Blue, Spring Azure, Silvery Blue, Holly Blue, Pea Blue, Zebra Blue, Miami Blue, Western Pygmy Blue, Adonis Blue, Small Blue, Silver-Studded Blue, Icarus Blue, Banded Blue Pierrot, Common Blue, Large Blue, Mission Blue, Atlantic Holly Azure, Lucia Azure, and Idas Blue.

Let’s dive in!

Karner Blue (Lycaeides melissa samuelis)

The Karner Blue butterfly is a small, blue butterfly found in North America.

• Habitat: They are found in oak-pine barrens, savannas, and pine barrens.
• Appearance: Male Karner Blues have bright metallic blue wings with narrow black margins and white fringes. Females have grey-to-brown wings with blue spots near the edges.
• Size: Wingspan is about 1 inch.
• Diet: Karner Blues primarily feed on nectar from wild lupine, and males also feed on damp soil and salts to obtain nutrients.
• Reproduction: Females lay eggs on the stems of wild lupine plants. The larvae feed on lupine, grow, molt, and pupate before emerging as adults.
• Lifespan: Karner Blues typically live for one year as adults.

The Karner Blue is an endangered species due to habitat fragmentation and loss of their habitat. They are a protected species, and conservation efforts include planting wild lupine and habitat restoration.

Eastern Tailed-Blue (Cupido comyntas)

The Eastern Tailed-Blue is a small butterfly with a distinctive tail-like projection on its hindwings found in eastern North America.

• Habitat: Eastern Tailed-Blues can be found in a variety of habitats like meadows, fields, roadsides, and open woodlands.
• Appearance: Both males and females have light blue upper wings with a white fringe and brown undersides with orange spots near the edges.
• Size: Wingspan is about 1 inch.
• Diet: Their caterpillars feed on flowers of legumes, including clover and alfalfa, while adults feed mainly on nectar from a variety of flowers.
• Reproduction: Females lay eggs on flowers or buds of the host plants, which then hatch into caterpillars that pupate and emerge as adults.
• Lifespan: Eastern Tailed-Blues typically live for a few weeks to a month.

The Eastern Tailed-Blue butterfly is one of the most widely distributed and commonly observed butterflies in eastern North America.

They are important pollinators and can adapt well to human-altered habitats like gardens and parks. While they are not considered threatened or endangered, changes in land use and pesticide use can negatively impact their populations.

Spring Azure (Celastrina ladon)

The Spring Azure is a small, blue butterfly found across North America.

• Habitat: These butterflies can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, and meadows.
• Appearance: Spring Azures have light blue wings with darker blue markings on the edges of the wings and have a white fringe on the outer edges.
• Size: Wingspan is about 1 inch.
• Diet: Their caterpillars feed on flowers of various trees, including dogwoods, cherries, and blueberries, while adults feed mainly on nectar from a variety of flowers.
• Reproduction: Females lay eggs on the buds of the host plants, which then hatch into caterpillars. The caterpillars pupate on the host plants and later emerge as adults.
• Lifespan: Spring Azures typically live for a few weeks to a month.

Spring Azures are common in their range and are known for their iridescent blue coloration. They are important pollinators and can adapt well to urban and suburban areas.

However, loss of their host plant species due to development or agricultural practices can threaten their populations. Some species of Spring Azures have different color variations due to geographical variances across their range.

For example, in the Pacific Northwest, there exists a subspecies called the Anise Swallowtail Spring Azure, which has a distinct yellow or red patch on their underside.

Silvery Blue (Glaucopsyche lygdamus)

The Silvery Blue is a small, blue butterfly found throughout North America and Europe.

• Habitat: These butterflies are found in a variety of habitats, including open woodlands, meadows, and agricultural fields.
• Appearance: Silvery Blues have light blue wings with a darker blue border and white fringes. Males have a silvery blue reflective patch on the upper side of their wings.
• Size: Wingspan is about 1 inch
• Diet: Their caterpillars feed on flowers of various legumes, including clover, alfalfa, and lupine, while adults feed mainly on nectar from a variety of flowers.
• Reproduction: Females lay eggs on the buds and flowers of host plants, which later hatch into caterpillars. The caterpillars feed on the host plant and later pupate and emerge as adults.
• Lifespan: Silvery Blues typically live for a few weeks to a month.

Silvery Blues play an important role in pollinating plant communities in their habitats.

They are well adapted to disturbances in their habitats, including agriculture and urbanization, and can be seen flying along roadsides and other disturbed areas. However, declines in their host plant species due to changes in land use practices and herbicide use can threaten their populations.

Silvery Blues are also sensitive to climate change due to their dependence on temperature and moisture levels in their habitat. Conservation efforts include habitat restoration and the protection of host plant species.

Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus)

The Holly Blue is a small, blue butterfly found in Europe and Asia.

• Habitat: These butterflies can be found in woodlands, hedgerows, and gardens.
• Appearance: Holly Blues have pale blue wings with black spots on the topside of their hindwings. Male wings have a purplish-blue sheen while female wings are more grayish-blue.
• Size: Wingspan is about 1 inch.
• Diet: Their caterpillars feed on the flowers and buds of Holly and other deciduous trees, while adults feed mainly on nectar from a variety of flowers.
• Reproduction: Females lay eggs on the flowers and buds of host plants, which later hatch into caterpillars. The caterpillars feed on the host plant and later pupate and emerge as adults.
• Lifespan: Holly Blues typically live for a few weeks to a month.

Holly Blues are an important pollinator in their range and are known for their unique host plant selection.

They are often found in urban and suburban areas, and can be observed in gardens and parks. However, loss of habitats due to land use changes and the loss of Holly host plants can threaten their populations. In recent years, the Holly Blue has been expanding its range northwards, possibly due to climate change.

Conservation efforts include habitat conservation and planting of Holly and other host plants in urban areas.

Pea Blue (Lampides boeticus)

The Pea Blue is a small, blue butterfly found in Africa, Asia, and Europe.

• Habitat: These butterflies can be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, scrublands, and gardens.
• Appearance: Pea Blues have bright blue wings with black spots on the topside of their wings. The underside of their wings is paler with white and black spots.
• Size: Wingspan is about 1 inch.
• Diet: Their caterpillars feed on the flowers and leaves of legumes, including peas and beans, while adults feed mainly on nectar from a variety of flowers.
• Reproduction: Females lay eggs on the leaves and flowers of host plants, which later hatch into caterpillars. The caterpillars feed on the host plant and later pupate and emerge as adults.
• Lifespan: Pea Blues typically live for a few weeks to a month.

Pea Blues are a common butterfly species in their range and are often observed in gardens and parks.

They are important pollinators of legume plants and are important indicators of habitat quality. They are also known for their unique migratory behavior, with some populations travelling thousands of kilometers during seasonal migrations.

However, changes in land use practices, including the use of pesticides and habitat fragmentation, can threaten their populations. Conservation efforts include habitat restoration and management of host plant populations.

Zebra Blue (Leptotes plinius)

The Zebra Blue is a small, blue butterfly found in North and South America.

• Habitat: These butterflies can be found in a variety of habitats, including deserts, grasslands, and along coastal dunes.
• Appearance: Zebra Blues have bright blue wings with thin, black stripes that resemble zebra stripes. The underside of their wings is grayish-brown with white spots.
• Size: Wingspan is about 3/4 inch.
• Diet: Their caterpillars feed on leaves and buds of various plants, including legumes and lupine, while adults feed mainly on nectar from a variety of flowers.
• Reproduction: Females lay eggs on the flowers and leaves of host plants, and the caterpillars feed on the host plant before pupating and emerging as adults.
• Lifespan: Zebra Blues typically live for a few weeks to a month.

Zebra Blues are an important pollinator and are often observed flying low to the ground.

They are well adapted for desert habitats, with their small size and ability to go long periods without water. However, changes in land use practices and urbanization can threaten their populations.

Conservation efforts include habitat conservation and management of host plant populations. Zebra Blues can also serve as an indicator species, as declines in their population can indicate ecological changes in their habitat.

Miami Blue (Cyclargus thomasi bethunebakeri)

The Miami Blue is a small, blue butterfly found in southern Florida, USA.

• Habitat: Miami Blues inhabit coastal habitats such as dunes, maritime hammocks, and mangrove swamps.
• Appearance: Miami Blues have bright iridescent blue wings with black borders, while the underside of their wings is light gray with white and black spots.
• Size: Wingspan is about 3/4 inch.
• Diet: Their caterpillars feed on the flowers and buds of host plants, including blackbead and gray-nickerbean, while adults feed mainly on nectar from a variety of flowers.
• Reproduction: Females lay eggs on the buds and flowers of host plants, which later hatch into caterpillars. The caterpillars feed on the host plant and later pupate and emerge as adults.
• Lifespan: Miami Blues typically live for a few weeks to a month.

Miami Blues are a critically endangered species with only a few remaining populations in southern Florida due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation.

They are considered one of the rarest butterflies in North America, as their numbers have declined dramatically in recent decades. Conservation efforts include habitat restoration, captive breeding and release, and protection of the remaining populations.

However, their situation remains tenuous, and the Miami Blue may face extinction in the wild without continued conservation efforts.

Western Pygmy Blue (Brephidium exile)

The Western Pygmy Blue is a small, blue butterfly found in western North America.

• Habitat: These butterflies can be found in a variety of habitats, including deserts, grasslands, and open woods.
• Appearance: Western Pygmy Blues have bright blue wings with black borders and white fringes. They are the smallest butterfly in North America.
• Size: Wingspan is about 1/2 inch.
• Diet: Their caterpillars feed on the flowers and leaves of various plants, including buckwheat and clover, while adults feed mainly on nectar from a variety of flowers.
• Reproduction: Females lay eggs on the flowers and leaves of host plants, and the caterpillars feed on the host plant before pupating and emerging as adults.
• Lifespan: Western Pygmy Blues typically live for a few weeks to a month.

Western Pygmy Blues are a common and widespread species in their range.

They are an important pollinator and serve as an indicator species for habitat quality. However, changes in land use practices, including the conversion of grasslands and deserts to agricultural and urbanized areas, can threaten their populations.

Climate change can also affect their habitat suitability, as increased temperatures and drought can reduce the available nectar and host plant species.

Conservation efforts for this species include habitat conservation and restoration and the use of native plant species in gardens and landscaping.

Adonis Blue (Polyommatus bellargus)

The Adonis Blue is a species of blue butterfly commonly found in Europe, particularly in the southern parts of the continent. This butterfly species is popular among butterfly enthusiasts due to its striking appearance.

• Habitat: Open grasslands with short habitats such as chalk downlands, rocky slopes, and limestone hills.
• Appearance: Male Adonis Blue is a striking blue color with black borders and white fringes. Females are a brownish-grey color, with a small amount of blue near the body and on the wings. Flies low to the ground, often basking with wings closed.
• Size: Wingspan ranges from 32mm to 38mm.
• Diet: Nectar from flower species such as thistles and clovers.
• Reproduction: Females lay up to five eggs on leaves of horseshoe vetch. Once the eggs hatch, the caterpillar feeds on horseshoe vetch.
• Lifespan: The lifespan of the Adonis Blue is short, approximately 7 to 12 days as an adult.

The Adonis Blue butterfly plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem of grasslands and other habitats where its larvae feed on horseshoe vetch.

Despite being a beautiful and beloved species, the Adonis Blue is classified as Near Threatened due to habitat loss and declines in the horseshoe vetch population.

Small Blue (Cupido minimus)

The Small Blue is a small butterfly species that is native to Europe and parts of Asia and North Africa. It is one of the smallest butterfly species, making it challenging to spot and observe.

• Habitat: Dry grasslands, chalk downlands, meadows, and rock fields.
• Appearance: Male Small Blue has an iridescent blue color on the upper side of its wings with thin black borders and white fringes. Female Small Blue has a brown color on the upper side of its wings, with a small amount of blue near the base of the wings. Small size makes them easily distinguishable from other butterfly species.
• Size: Wingspan ranges from 16mm to 22mm, making it one of the smallest butterfly species.
• Diet: Nectar from flower species such as bird’s-foot trefoil and selfheal.
• Reproduction: The female lays her eggs from spring to fall on the upper surface of the new leaves of the host plant. The eggs hatch into larvae, which form chrysalises and metamorphose into the adult butterfly.
• Lifespan: The lifespan of the Small Blue is short, approximately only several weeks.

The Small Blue is a threatened species in Europe, with its population declining due to habitat loss and changes in agricultural practices.

Conservation efforts, such as habitat restoration and protection, are necessary to ensure the survival of this beautiful butterfly species.

Silver-Studded Blue (Plebejus argus)

The Silver-Studded Blue is a rare species of blue butterfly that can be found in parts of Europe and Asia. This butterfly’s habitat requirements are specific and can be challenging to maintain, making it a threatened species.

• Habitat: Dry heathlands, moorlands, and sandy grasslands.
• Appearance: Male Silver-Studded Blue has bright blue wings with black borders, white fringes, and small black dots across the wings. Female Silver-Studded Blue has brownish-gray wings with a small amount of blue near the base of the wings and orange spots on the underside. This butterfly species is easily identifiable by the black dots across its wings.
• Size: Wingspan ranges from 28mm to 36mm.
• Diet: Nectar from flower species such as heather, bramble, and thistles.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on heather and bell heather flowers. The eggs hatch into larvae, which feed on the seed pods of the host plant.
• Lifespan: The lifespan of the Silver-Studded Blue is short, only lasting for a couple of weeks as an adult butterfly.

The Silver-Studded Blue is a beautiful and unique butterfly species that plays a vital role in maintaining the existence of dry heathland and moorland habitats.

However, habitat loss and land management practices, such as overgrazing and heather cutting, are major threats to this butterfly’s population.

Conservation efforts such as habitat restoration and careful management are necessary to help save this stunning species from the brink of extinction.

Icarus Blue (Polyommatus icarus)

The Icarus Blue, also known as the Common Blue, is a well-known and widespread species of butterfly that can be found in Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. It is a popular butterfly species due to its stunning coloration and widespread distribution.

• Habitat: Open grasslands, meadows, woodland clearings, and heathlands.
• Appearance: Male Icarus Blue has a bright blue color with thin black borders and white fringes. Female Icarus Blue has a brownish-gray color on the upper side of its wings with a small amount of blue near the base of the wings. This butterfly species is easily identifiable due to its bright blue coloration.
• Size: Wingspan ranges from 24mm to 32mm.
• Diet: Nectar from flower species such as thistles, knapweeds, and vetches.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on the leaves of several host plant species, including clovers, trefoils, and birdsfoot-trefoils. The eggs hatch into larvae, which feed on the host plant.
• Lifespan: The lifespan of the Icarus Blue is short, approximately 1-2 weeks as an adult.

The Icarus Blue is a widespread and common butterfly species, although population declines have been reported in certain areas due to habitat loss and degradation. Conservation efforts such as habitat restoration and protection can help to safeguard the existence of this beautiful butterfly species.

The Icarus Blue is an important pollinator of many species of wildflowers, making it an essential component of many ecosystems.

Banded Blue Pierrot (Discolampa ethion)

The Banded Blue Pierrot butterfly is a small, unique butterfly species that can be found in India and South East Asia. This butterfly species is recognized by the unique banding pattern on its wings.

• Habitat: Grasslands, fields, and forests.
• Appearance: Both male and female Banded Blue Pierrot have pale blue wings with black borders and white fringes. The unique feature of this butterfly species is its black and white banding on the wings.
• Size: Wingspan ranges from 22mm to 32mm.
• Diet: Nectar from various flower species.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on the leaves of the host plant, which include Albizia species. The eggs hatch into larvae, which feed on the host plant.
• Lifespan: The lifespan of the Banded Blue Pierrot is short, only lasting for a few weeks.

The Banded Blue Pierrot butterfly species is not commonly seen due to its specific habitat requirements and restricted distribution. It is important to protect and conserve this unique butterfly species due to its role in pollination and the role it plays within its ecosystem.

The Banded Blue Pierrot is not endangered yet, but habitat loss, deforestation, and land conversion present significant threats to its population, making conservation efforts crucial for its survival.

Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus)

The Common Blue, also known as the Icarus Blue, is a widespread and well-known species of butterfly that can be found throughout Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. Its name is a testament to its popularity and abundance in many areas.

• Habitat: Open grasslands, meadows, woodland clearings, and heathlands.
• Appearance: Male Common Blue has a bright blue color with thin black borders and white fringes. Female Common Blue has a brownish-gray color on the upper side of its wings with a small amount of blue near the base of the wings. This butterfly species is easily identifiable due to its bright blue coloration.
• Size: Wingspan ranges from 24mm to 32mm.
• Diet: Nectar from flower species such as thistles, knapweeds, and vetches.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on the leaves of several host plant species, including clovers, trefoils, and birdsfoot-trefoils. The eggs hatch into larvae, which feed on the host plant.
• Lifespan: The lifespan of the Common Blue is short, approximately 1-2 weeks as an adult.

The Common Blue is a well-known and popular butterfly species due to its striking coloration and widespread distribution. Despite its common status, populations in certain areas have been declining due to habitat loss and degradation.

Conservation efforts such as habitat restoration and protection can help ensure the survival of this essential pollinator species and maintain the ecosystem in which it plays a crucial role. The Common Blue is a remarkable and beautiful butterfly species that brings delight and wonder to many people.

Large Blue (Maculinea arion)

The Large Blue is a rare species of butterfly that can be found in Europe and Asia and is known for its unique life cycle. This butterfly requires specific conditions to complete its life cycle, which makes its existence particularly vulnerable to environmental changes.

• Habitat: Calcium-rich grasslands and chalk downs.
• Appearance: Large Blue has a striking coloration, with a metallic blue upper side of its wings and brown colors on the underside. The wingspan ranges from 40mm to 50mm, making it larger than most other butterfly species.
• Diet: The butterfly larvae feed on Thymus species, a type of wildflower.
• Reproduction: The female Large Blue lays its eggs on specific species of wildflowers. After hatching, the larvae are taken by ants where parasites, which then kill the ant larvae, are released and the caterpillar is left to feed on the ant brood.
• Lifespan: The lifespan of the Large Blue is short, with the adult butterfly living for only a couple of weeks.

The Large Blue is a rare and spectacular butterfly species, but its population has declined for several reasons, including habitat loss, inappropriate land management, and changes in climate patterns.

Conservation efforts, such as protecting habitat and promoting species-specific management, are necessary to prevent the extinction of this unique and valuable butterfly species. The Large Blue butterfly is a natural wonder, and preserving its existence is critical for maintaining biodiversity and healthy ecosystems.

Mission Blue (Icaricia icarioides missionensis)

The Mission Blue butterfly is a rare and sensitive species that is found only in California in the United States. This butterfly species is known for its distinctive coloration and unique habitat requirements.

• Habitat: Coastal bluffs and dry grasslands.
• Appearance: The Mission Blue has a striking coloration with a metallic blue color on the upper side of its wings, a black border, and tan spots. Female Mission Blues have a brownish-gray color on the upper side of their wings with a small amount of blue near the base of the wings.
• Size: Wingspan ranges from 26mm to 36mm.
• Diet: Nectar from flower species such as thistles and buckwheat.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on the leaves of host plants such as lupine. The eggs hatch into larvae, which feed on the host plant.
• Lifespan: The lifespan of the Mission Blue is short, only lasting for a couple of weeks as an adult.

The Mission Blue butterfly is an endangered species, with populations declining due to habitat loss, invasive species, and changes in land management practices.

Conservation efforts, such as habitat restoration, protection, and population monitoring, are necessary to ensure the survival of this butterfly species.

Protecting the Mission Blue butterfly is critical for maintaining the health and biodiversity of coastal ecosystems.

The Mission Blue butterfly species represents an important part of California’s natural heritage and is treasured by both conservationists and butterfly enthusiasts.

Atlantic Holly Azure (Celastrina idella)

The Atlantic Holly Azure is a rare butterfly species that is found on the eastern coast of the United States. This butterfly species is typically found in secluded and shaded habitats and is considered a highlight among butterfly enthusiasts.

• Habitat: Deciduous forests, shrublands, and wetland areas.
• Appearance: The Atlantic Holly Azure is a small butterfly species, with a wingspan ranging from 19mm to 27mm. Male Atlantic Holly Azure has a light blue color on the upper side of its wings, while the female has more of a greenish-gray color.
• Diet: Nectar from flower species such as holly and dogwood.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on the flowers and leaves of the host plant species. The eggs hatch into larvae, which feed on the host plant.
• Lifespan: The lifespan of the Atlantic Holly Azure is short, only lasting for a couple of weeks as an adult.

The Atlantic Holly Azure butterfly population has declined due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Programs to restore and manage the habitat, protect the host plant species, and reduce disturbances in the habitat area are necessary to secure the survival of this butterfly species.

Conservation efforts to preserve the Atlantic Holly Azure butterfly can lead to the protection of its habitat and the habitats of other species, thereby having a positive impact on biodiversity and ecosystem health. This butterfly species has unique adaptations that make it an interesting and important part of the region’s ecological diversity.

The Atlantic Holly Azure butterfly is a treasure that must be preserved for future generations.

Lucia Azure (Celastrina lucia)

The Lucia Azure butterfly can be found in eastern North America and has a wingspan of approximately 1 inch.

• Habitat: These butterflies prefer woodland edges, forest clearings, or chaparral regions, and are commonly seen in the southeastern United States.
• Appearance: With a bright azure blue coloring on its wings, the Lucia Azure butterfly has white undersides with small black spots. Females have larger wings while males have a more intense color.
• Size: Lucia Azure butterflies have a wingspan of about 1 inch.
• Diet: Being herbivores, these butterflies feed on flower nectar, plant sap, and aphid honeydew.
• Reproduction: The Lucia Azure butterfly lays its eggs on host plants, including Honeysuckle and Dogwood, in late spring and early summer. The larvae then feed on the leaves until they pupate and transform into an adult butterfly.
• Lifespan: The Lucia Azure butterfly has a lifespan of about 2 weeks to a month.

In comparison to other butterfly species, the Lucia Azure’s wingspan may be small, but its brilliant blue coloring still captures the attention of anyone who sees it.

With a short lifespan, it is important to make the most of the time you have to experience the stunning beauty of these Florida residents.

Idas Blue (Plebejus idas)

The Idas Blue butterfly is a small and delicate butterfly native to North America, with a wingspan of up to 1.5 inches.

• Habitat: These butterflies prefer meadows, open grasslands, and sagebrush steppe regions where their host plants such as Astragalus and Baptisia grow.
• Appearance: Idas Blue butterflies have a bright blue coloring on their wings, with brown-black spots along the edges of the wings. Females are larger and have a more subdued coloring compared to males.
• Size: Idas Blue butterflies have a wingspan of up to 1.5 inches.
• Diet: As adults, these butterflies feed on flower nectar, while their larvae consume the leaves of their host plants.
• Reproduction: Female Idas Blue butterflies lay their tiny eggs on the leaves of their host plants, and the larvae hatch and consume the plant’s leaves before pupating and transforming into adult butterflies.
• Lifespan:  The Idas Blue butterfly has a lifespan of only a few weeks.

Despite their small size, the Idas Blue butterfly is still an extraordinary sight to behold. With its bright blue coloring, it is hard to miss flying across open fields and grasslands.

These delicate butterflies serve as a reminder of the wonders of nature, and why it is important to appreciate their beauty.

Conclusion

Blue butterflies are not only beautiful but are also an important part of the ecosystem.

The 20 species highlighted in this article are just a few examples of the diversity of blue butterflies found around the world. From the Atlantic Holly Azure to the Idas Blue, each species has its own unique characteristics and needs for survival.

If you know of any interesting facts or stories about blue butterflies, feel free to leave a comment below.