Lange's Metalmark Butterfly vs Cranberry Blue
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Lange's Metalmark Butterfly | Cranberry Blue |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Apodemia mormo langei | Plebejus optilete |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Riodinidae | Lycaenidae |
| Size | 2.5-3.5 cm wingspan | 22-28 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Underground |
| Diet | Herbivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | United States | Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, Siberia, subarctic Japan |
| Conservation | Endangered | Least Concern |
Lange's Metalmark Butterfly
A small metalmark butterfly found only at Antioch Dunes in California. Its larvae feed exclusively on naked-stemmed buckwheat.
Did You Know?
It was one of the first insects listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act in 1976.
Cranberry Blue
A small butterfly with violet-blue upperwings in males and dark brown in females. The hindwing underside has a diagnostic metallic silver spot. It frequents boggy habitats where its larval foodplant cranberry grows.
Did You Know?
The caterpillar is tended by ants which protect it from parasitoids in exchange for sweet honeydew secretions.