Melissa Blue
Plebejus melissa (W. H. Edwards, 1873)
Family: Lycaenidae
Status: Uncommon to common local resident, more common westward.
NENHP Rank: Not listed
Range: From central Alberta and Manitoba the species ranges south through most of California, Arizona and New Mexico. In Nebraska it is uncommon/rare in the eastern third of the state.
Larval Hostplant(s): Larval Hostplant(s): Various Astragalus and Lupinus species, wild licorice Glycyrrhiza lepidota, alfalfa Medicago sativa and white locoweed Oxytropis sericea.
Broods/Flight Times: At least two broods. In Nebraska it has been found from May 9 – October 15.
Overwintering: As an egg.
Habitat: It inhabits upland prairies. When in alfalfa fields it can sometimes be found in large numbers.
Avg. Wingspan: 7/8 – 1 3/8 inches
Found at:
Similar Species: Lupine Blue
Notes: Adults are sexually dimorphic and have been observed at mud (males), and nectaring on chokecherry, alfalfa, asters and verbena. An eastern subspecies, the Karner blue (L. melissa samuelis) is found from southeastern Minnesota east to New York in scattered colonies in association with its only known larval hostplant Lupinus perennis. It has been extirpated from much of its range, and is considered endangered where it remains.
Melissa Blue, Smith Falls SP, Colin Croft
