Size: 0.5 - 0.75 inches wingspan

​

Key ID features:  Very small.  Dark orangey-brown above, sometimes with blue patches next to body.  HW above with white fringe and indistinct, variable submarginal band of blackish spots. FW below, disjointed white lines on orange-brown background. HW below with brown or blue bands edged in white, and marginal row of bold black spots with metallic blue or silver centers next to submarginal white band. 

​

Similar species: No similar species in Oregon.

 

Host plant: Various species in the pigweed family, including Saltbush (Atriplex), Pigweed (chenopodium) and Russian thistle (Salsola kali).

​

Habitat: Desert lowlands and flats, including disturbed areas. ​

​

Range: Primarily SE Oregon in Lake, Harney and Malheur counties, but expands north in some years.

​

Season: Mid-July to late September

​

Abundance: Uncommon

 

Conservation Status: Secure