Species Page: Silvery Blue (Glaucopsyche lygdamus)

Silvery Blue

Glaucopsyche lygdamus (E. Doubleday, 1841)

Family: Lycaenidae

Status: Occasional local resident

NENHP Ranking: S3 Tier 2

Range: Range: Subspecies of the Silvery Blue occupy most of the western half of North America from Alaska south through New Mexico and Arizona as well as much of the northern United States and southern Canada east through the New England states and New Brunswick. There are additional disjointed populations in Missouri and Arkansas and in the Appalachians. In Nebraska it can be found in rugged areas in the panhandle and the loess hills of the southwest.

Larval Hostplant(s): While various legumes have been cited slender milkvetch (Astragalus gracilus) appears to be the preferred plant in Nebraska.

Broods/Flight Times: One spring flight from mid-April into June.

Overwintering: As pupae.

Habitat: Loess hills and upland grasslands where the hostplant occurs.

Avg. Wingspan: 7/8 – 1 1/4 inches

Found at: Box Elder, Ponderosa and Gilbert-Baker SWMAs, Wildcat Hills SRA, I-80 East Sidney Rest Area

Similar Species: Arrowhead and Icariodes Blues

Notes:

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