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Marine Blue

Both wings of the Marine Blue (Leptotes marina) have bands of pale brown separated by bands of white. The species has no tail, but has two dark submarginal spots. Upperside blue; male with purple tinge, female with no white.

It is found in from South America through Mexico up to Southern Texas, Arizona and California. It has been known to wander and temporarily colonize as far as Wisconsin, Indiana, Kentucky, and Louisiana. It is abundant in the southwest deserts, where it feeds on woody legumes, but is often also found in urban and suburban neighborhoods and gardens.

Wing spread: 0.75" - 1.25"

Host plants: Leadworts and legume varieties

Marine Blue Butterfly Life Cycle Stages and Times

Stage Typical Duration
Egg stage 3 to 6 days
Caterpillar (larval) stage 2 to 3 weeks
Chrysalis (pupal) stage 8 to 12 days
Adult butterfly stage 4 to 10 days

 

Marine Blue Butterfly
Marine Blue Butterfly