Blues (Subfamily Polyommatinae)
SUBFAMILY DESCRIPTION: Blues are tiny to small butterflies of the
Family Lycaenidae. Distributed worldwide, they are most diverse in
Southeast Asia, tropical Africa, and northern temperate regions. Most
of the nearly 50 North American species are found in the west. Adult
males are predominantly blue above, due to reflected light rather than
pigmentation. Some males and most females are largely brown above.
Below, wings of both sexes are usually gray-white with black spots or
streaks. Adults in some genera (Euphilotes, Lycaeides, Plebulina, and
Icaricia) have more or less prominent orange submarginal bands on
their hindwings. Most adults are found near their host plants, and they
do not fly long distances, though some tropical and subtropical species
undertake long migrations. Adults visit flowers for nectar. Males
frequent moist sand and mud, and females lay eggs singly on host
plant leaves or flowers. As caterpillars, they secrete sugary secretions
that attract ants, and caterpillars of some species are raised in ant
nests. Blues usually overwinter in the pupal stage.
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