Reakirt’s Blue
(Hemiargus isola)
The Reakirt’s Blue is mainly a resident of the southwestern United States and Mexico, but does stray north most years and occasionally makes it as far as Wisconsin. In Ebner’s Butterflies of Wisconsin he notes that it was reported only twice before 1970. It has now been reported from 12 counties and has been reported from three counties since 2000.
Identifying characteristics: Above the male is mostly blue with a thin black margin and usually shows one or two dark spots near the trailing edge. The female is much darker but with some blue usually showing nearer the body. Underneath the sexes are essentially the same, with a light gray background and a prominent row of black spots on the forewing and with a large black spot and several smaller black spots on the margin of the hindwing.
Similar species: In Wisconsin this species should not be confused with any other Blues.
Habitat: Open, grassland areas, including prairie and disturbed areas.
Flight: The Reakirt’s Blue is many-brooded in its normal range. It may occasionally find its way to Wisconsin during the summer months and start temporary colonies that cannot survive the winter.
Abundance: This species is a stray in Wisconsin and is rarely abundant.
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Reakirt’s Blue
Hemiargus isola