Delve into the enchanting world of blue butterflies, where iridescent wings and delicate forms bring color to grasslands, coastal areas, and conservation efforts. Meet nine astonishing blue butterfly varieties that will leave you in awe.
The world of butterflies is home to some of the most stunning insects on the planet. With their iridescent wings and delicate forms, these rare beauties bring color to grasslands, coastal areas, and conservation efforts alike. Here are nine blue butterfly species that will leave you in awe.
The blue butterfly species is a group of butterflies known for their vibrant 'blue' coloration.
There are over 600 species of blue butterflies found worldwide, with the majority being native to tropical and subtropical regions.
The Morpho butterfly, found in Central and South America, has iridescent blue wings that appear almost metallic.
Other notable species include the Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus) found in Europe and Asia, and the Eastern Tailed-Blue (Cupido comyntas) found in North America.
The Largest and Most Recognizable: Blue Morpho
With a wingspan of about 5 to 8 inches (13 to 18 cm), the Blue Morpho is one of the largest and most recognizable blue butterfly species in the world. Its dazzling upper surface is a brilliant ‘blue’ , edged with a black border. Males are more vibrant than females, feeding on rotting fruit and flying mostly during the day in tropical forests.
The Blue Morpho (Morpho peleides) is a species of butterfly native to Central and South America.
Its iridescent blue wings are its most distinctive feature, created by the way microscopic scales reflect light.
The wingspan can reach up to 8 inches (20 cm), making it one of the largest butterflies in the world.
Found in tropical rainforests, these butterflies feed on nectar from flowers and are known for their impressive flying abilities.
A Rare Sight: Fender’s Blue Butterfly
The Fender’s blue butterfly is an endangered species found primarily in Oregon‘s Willamette Valley. With a wingspan of about one inch (2.5 cm), males display striking blue coloring on their upper surface, while females appear brown with white-rimmed spots. This small butterfly depends heavily on lupine plants for laying eggs and feeding its caterpillars.
The Fender's blue butterfly (Idea leuconoe) is a species of butterfly found in Southeast Asia.
It has a distinctive blue coloration on its wings, with a brown border and white spots.
The species is known for its unique behavior, as it migrates to higher elevations during the summer months.
According to the IUCN Red List, the Fender's blue butterfly is listed as Near Threatened due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
Its population is estimated to be around 2,500 individuals.
Shining in the Grasslands: Silvery Blue
The Silvery Blue butterfly shines with a silvery-blue sheen on the upper side of its wings. Found in various grasslands and open spaces, silvery blues often display black spots along the undersides of their wings. These butterflies produce one generation each year, with adults often seen by early June.
A Common but Beautiful Sight: Common Blue
Widespread across Europe and parts of Asia, the Common Blue is known for its vivid coloration and adaptable nature. Males flaunt bright blue wings with a thin black border, while females can appear more brown with orange spots and white edges. These butterflies thrive in meadows, grasslands, and even disturbed habitats.
A Delicate Delight: Eastern Tailed-Blue
The Eastern tailed-blue has delicate tails extending from the edges of its hind wings. The upper side of the males’ wings is a rich ‘blue’ , while females are often grayish with a hint of blue. Adults are active in spring and summer, relying on specific plants for their larvae.
A Rare North American Species: Karner Blue
The Karner Blue is another North American species, and one that is federally listed as endangered in the United States. Its habitat is closely tied to wild lupine plants, which the caterpillars feed on. Habitat fragmentation and invasive species have contributed to this butterfly’s decline.
A Chalk Grassland Specialist: Adonis Blue
Found in southern Europe, the Adonis Blue is named for its intense, sky-blue wing color. Males are particularly vivid, while females tend to be brown. This butterfly prefers chalk grasslands, and populations can fluctuate with seasonal changes and land use.
A Coastal Resident: Boisduval’s Blue
Boisduval’s Blue butterflies inhabit coastal areas and mountainous regions in the western United States. Recognizable by their pale blue wings and white fringe, males are more colorful than females, which are usually brown. Caterpillars feed on legumes, and adults are often seen flying near their host plants.
A Unique Sight: Green-underside Blue
The Green-underside Blue butterfly is known for the unique greenish hue on the underside of its wings. Found in parts of Europe and Asia, this species is active during the spring and prefers open, sunny habitats with plenty of flowers.
- howstuffworks.com | 9 Blue Butterfly Species You Wont Believe Are Real
