Provence Short-tailed Blue vs Palos Verdes Blue
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Provence Short-tailed Blue | Palos Verdes Blue |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cupido alcetas | Glaucopsyche lygdamus palosverdesensis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Lycaenidae | Lycaenidae |
| Size | 22-28 mm wingspan | 2-3 cm wingspan |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Omnivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Central and southern Europe | United States |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Critically Endangered |
Provence Short-tailed Blue
One of Europe's smallest butterflies with violet-blue males and dark brown females. It lacks the tail projection of its close relative the short-tailed blue.
Did You Know?
Males gather in large puddle clubs on damp ground to drink mineral-rich water.
Palos Verdes Blue
A tiny blue butterfly endemic to the Palos Verdes Peninsula in Los Angeles County. It was thought extinct in 1983 before being rediscovered in 1994.
Did You Know?
It is considered one of the rarest butterflies in the world, with captive breeding programs helping sustain the population.