Size: 0.75 - 1.0 inches wingspan

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Key ID features:  Male bright blue above, female dark gray or gray-brown, with coppery-green iridescence when fresh. HW with white fringe and  marginal band of black spots with gray borders. Below, gray or bluish-gray, with black spots rimmed with white, variable marginal band of spots and chevrons, orange patches next to small white-tipped tails. Usually shows black cell-end bar on FW above and below.

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Similar species: Western Tailed-Blue tends to be whiter below and usually lacks black cell end bar on the FW above.

 

Host plant: Many species in the pea family including lupines, vetches and clovers.

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Habitat: Often in weedy, disturbed habitats, but also in native wet meadows and riparian areas. ​

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Range: West of the Cascade Range, Wallowa Mtns and NE Blue Mtns.

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Season: Early April to early August

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Abundance: Common

 

Conservation Status: Secure