Eastern Tailed-Blue
Cupido comyntas (Godart, [1824])
Family: Lycaenidae
Status: Common to abundant resident
NENHP Rank: Not listed
Range: This blue is found in the eastern half of the United States and southern Canada west through the Dakotas, and south into eastern Texas. It is found throughout Nebraska.
Larval Hostplant(s): Larval Hostplant(s): Flowers and new growth of various legumes including Milkvetches (Astragalus species), Tickclovers (Desmodium species), Vetchlings (Lathyrus species), Lespidezas (Lespideza species), Trefoils (Lotus species), Lupines (Lupinus species), Black Medic (Medicago lupulina), Yellow Sweet Clover (Melilotus officinalis), White Clover (Trifolium repens) and Vetches (Vicia species) are utilized.
Broods/Flight Times: Multiple flights from early May into September.
Overwintering: As full-grown caterpillar.
Habitat: It is at home in urban areas as well as pasture/prairies, road ditches, alfalfa fields, riparian areas and wet meadows. Wherever found it prefers open areas such as mowed paths.
Avg. Wingspan: 7/8 – 1 1/8 inches
Found at:
Similar Species: Western Tailed-Blue
Notes: Female Eastern Tailed-Blues are dramatically darker dorsally.
Eastern Tailed-Blue, J. Nikkila
