Shasta Blue

icaricia shasta

The Shasta Blue (Icaricia shasta) is a captivating small butterfly, renowned for its striking iridescent blue wings and its affinity for high-altitude environments. This species plays a vital role in its subalpine ecosystems as a pollinator and an herbivore in its larval stage. Its life cycle is intrinsically linked to specific host plants, primarily various species of Lupinus, making it a specialist within its mountainous habitat. The Shasta Blue's short adult flight period and preference for open, sunny meadows make it a cherished sight for naturalists and hikers who venture into its elevated home during the summer months.

Lebensraum: Found in high-altitude meadows, subalpine slopes, and open montane areas, often where its host plant, Lupinus, is abundant.

Aussehen

The Shasta Blue is a diminutive butterfly, typically exhibiting a wingspan of 2 to 3 cm. Males are easily identified by the brilliant, iridescent blue on the dorsal surface of their wings, often with a narrow black margin and a fringe of white. Females are usually a duller blue, sometimes with a brownish wash, and may have a series of dark spots near the hindwing margin. The ventral side of both sexes is grayish-brown, adorned with a scattering of black spots outlined in white, and a row of submarginal black spots on the hindwing, which are often capped with orange crescents, a key identifier.

ReichAnimaliaStammArthropodaKlasseInsectaOrdnungLepidopteraFamilieLycaenidaeGattungIcaricia

Shasta Blue

Kategorie

Insekten

Seltenheit

Common

Gefahr

1/5 · Sehr gering

Snaps

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Interessante Fakten

Shasta Blue butterflies typically have only one generation per year, emerging for a short flight period in mid-summer.

The scientific name 'shasta' refers to Mount Shasta in California, one of the iconic locations where this butterfly can be found.

The undersides of their wings, with their distinct black spots and orange crescents, are crucial for species identification in the field.

Their larvae are often tended by ants, which protect them from predators in exchange for a sweet honeydew secretion.

Besondere Fähigkeiten

The Shasta Blue larvae exclusively feed on the leaves of various Lupinus species. This tight ecological bond makes the butterfly highly dependent on the presence and health of these specific plants.

This species is well-adapted to the harsh conditions of high-altitude environments, including cooler temperatures and strong winds, thriving in elevations where many other butterfly species cannot.

Like many Lycaenidae, Shasta Blue larvae secrete a sugary substance that attracts ants. The ants protect the larvae from predators and parasites in exchange for this sweet reward.

Maße und Details

Länge: 1-2 cm
Flügelspannweite: 2-3 cm
Gewicht: 0.0001-0.0002 kg
Lebenserwartung: 0 Jahre
Gelegegröße: 50-150
Brutzeit: 5-10 Tage

Ernährung und Fütterung

Adult Shasta Blue butterflies feed on nectar from a variety of wildflowers, while their larvae are specialist herbivores, exclusively consuming the leaves of specific Lupinus species.

Altersunterschiede: Larvae feed on Lupinus leaves, while adults exclusively consume nectar.

Hauptnahrung

Nectar from various wildflowers
Lupinus leaves
Alpine aster nectar
Goldenrod nectar

Nahrungssuche

Foraging

Ökologische Zusammenhänge

host plant

Lupine

Lupinus spp.

The primary food source for Shasta Blue larvae.

mutualism

Field Ant

Formica spp.

Ants provide protection to Shasta Blue larvae from predators in exchange for sugary secretions.

pollinator

Subalpine Daisy

Erigeron peregrinus

Adult Shasta Blue butterflies contribute to the pollination of various high-altitude wildflowers while feeding on their nectar.

eaten by

Mountain Bluebird

Sialia currucoides

Various species of birds in the habitat may prey on adult Shasta Blue butterflies.

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Sicherheit

Gefahr

1/5 · Sehr gering

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Häufig gestellte Fragen

Wie identifiziert man Shasta Blue?

Der einfachste Weg, Shasta Blue zu bestimmen, ist die Verwendung der Naturführer-App Snappit.

Was ist der/die/das länge von Shasta Blue?

1-2 cm

Was ist der/die/das flügelspannweite von Shasta Blue?

2-3 cm

Was ist der/die/das gewicht von Shasta Blue?

0.0001-0.0002 kg

Was ist der/die/das lebenserwartung von Shasta Blue?

0 Jahre

Was frisst Shasta Blue?

Adult Shasta Blue butterflies feed on nectar from a variety of wildflowers, while their larvae are specialist herbivores, exclusively consuming the leaves of specific Lupinus species.

Wo findet man Shasta Blue normalerweise?

Found in high-altitude meadows, subalpine slopes, and open montane areas, often where its host plant, Lupinus, is abundant.

Wie jagt Shasta Blue?

Foraging