Species Page: Pygmy Blue (Brephidium exilis)

Family: Lycaenidae

Status: Rare stray, possibly breeding.

NENHP Rank: Not listed

Range: B. exilis resides in an area from southern California east to southern Texas. From there they stray north as far as Nebraska and Idaho.

Larval Hostplant(s): Various Chenopodiacea of which the following occur in Nebraska: Lamb’s-quarters (Chenapodium album), and Shadscale, Spearscale and Redscale (Atriplex canescens, A. patula, and A. rosea).

Broods/Flight Times: N/A

Overwintering: Not this far north.

Habitat: Barrens, low weedy areas with hostplants.

Avg. Wingspan: 1/2 – 3/4 inch

Found at: N/A

Similar Species: Marine and Reakirt Blues

Notes: One of our smallest butterflies. Closely examine any very small blues that you see.