Shasta Blue
ExploreInsects
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.
Habitat: Found in high-altitude meadows, subalpine slopes, and open montane areas, often where its host plant, Lupinus, is abundant.
Appearance
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.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyLycaenidaeGenusIcaricia
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
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.
Special abilities
Ability
Lupine Specialist
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.
Ability
High-Altitude Adaptation
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.
Ability
Ant Mutualism
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.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 1-2 cm
- Wingspan
- 2-3 cm
- Weight
- 0.0001-0.0002 kg
- Lifespan
- 0 years
- Clutch Size
- 50-150
- Incubation
- 5-10 days
Diet & Feeding
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.
Age differences: Larvae feed on Lupinus leaves, while adults exclusively consume nectar.
Primary Foods
- Nectar from various wildflowers
- Lupinus leaves
- Alpine aster nectar
- Goldenrod nectar
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
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.
Traits
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Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Shasta Blue?
The easiest way to identify Shasta Blue is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Shasta Blue?
1-2 cm
What is Shasta Blue's wingspan?
2-3 cm
How much does Shasta Blue weigh?
0.0001-0.0002 kg
How long does Shasta Blue live?
0 years
What does Shasta Blue eat?
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.
Where is Shasta Blue usually found?
Found in high-altitude meadows, subalpine slopes, and open montane areas, often where its host plant, Lupinus, is abundant.
How does Shasta Blue hunt?
Foraging
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