A tiny butterfly (less than an inch wingspan) with delicate threadlike "tails" on the hindwings. Look closely at any patch of clover and you'll likely spot one.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
The eastern tailed-blue or eastern tailed blue, also known as Everes comyntas, is a common butterfly of eastern North America. It is a small butterfly that is distinguished from other blues in its range by the small thin tail.
Source: Wikipedia — Eastern tailed-blue Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Tiny gray-brown butterfly with thin distinct hindwing tails and orange/blue spots on underside.
Similar species. Other tailed-blues. Spring Azure (no tails).
Voice. N/A
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. Adults: nectar. Caterpillars: clovers and other legumes.
Behavior. Tiny native butterfly. Multiple broods per year. Common in suburban yards with clover.
§ Range
Eastern and central US
§ Habitat
Open meadows, lawns, vacant lots, garden edges
§ Threats
Lawn culture (frequent mowing of clover before flowering), neonic-treated turfgrass, pesticides.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the eastern tailed-blue is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Mow less. Tolerate clover in your lawn. Avoid neonic-treated turf.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Eastern tailed-blue
- www.nwf.org — authoritative profile of Cupido comyntas
- iNaturalist · taxon 49369
- IUCN Red List — search for Cupido comyntas
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Cupido comyntas
§ Sources cited
- Butterflies and Moths of North America
- Xerces Society
- BugGuide
- iNaturalist
