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:
Silvery Blue, Banner Co., Colin Croft
