Eastern Tailed Blue - mating pair

Description:

The Eastern Tailed Blue is a very small butterfly with a narrow tail on the hind wing. Unlike most butterflies, this species has thrived where its habitat has been disturbed by human activity. Many adults lose their tails.

Habitat:

Eastern North America & as far South as Central America. Meadows, weedy and disturbed areas. Host Plants: Various legumes (Fabaceae) including yellow sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis), alfalfa (Medicago sativa); various species of vetch (Vicia), clover (Trifolium), wild pea (Lathyrus), and bush clover (Lespedeza).