Size: 1.0 - 1.25 inches wingspan

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Key ID features:  Both sexes dull gray above and below. Below, median band of small dark spots with white halos, and submarginal band of black spots with halos. No tails.

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Similar species: May be confused with a female Boisduval's blue, which has some blue below (Half-moon has no blue), white fringes, and usually one to three black basal spots on HW below. Range does not overlap with closely related Sooty Hairstreak.

 

Host plant: Lupines (Lupinus).

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Habitat: Subalpine meadows, high ridges, sage steppe, open slopes. ​

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Range: East of the Cascades except Columbia basin in Gilliam, Morrow and Umatilla counties.

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Season: Mid-May to early September

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Abundance: Common

 

Conservation Status: Secure