Marine Blue
Leptotes marina
This butterfly was observed in the Superstition Mountains along First Water Trail, Maricopa Co., Arizona. May 2009. It is taking nectar from flowers of Catclaw Acacia (Acacia greggii).
Lycaenidae -- Gossamer-winged Butterfly Family
Marine Blue is
a common to abundant small blue butterfly in the Sonoran Desert where it is
most common in riparian zones and mesquite bosques. This butterfly is
widespread throughout the Southwest. Marine Blue has a wingspan of roughly
25 mm. Large numbers can sometimes gather at damp spots taking
water and dissolved salts.
The slug-like
caterpillar feeds on mesquite and other members of the bean family. Even
alfalfa can be used for the larval stage. When the caterpillar is resting on
leaves of
Velvet Mesquite (Prosopis velutina) as this one was they become
nearly invisible to insectivorous birds.