Silvery Blue
(Glaucopsyche lygdamus)
Silvery Blue sightings, by week (about)
Click to enlargeBass Lake SNA, Waushara Co., WI. May 26, 2005.
Click to enlargeWillow Creek Fisheries Area, Southeast of Wild Rose, Waushara Co., WI. May 20, 2006.
Click to enlargeSouthwest of Hancock, Waushara Co., WI. May 31, 2006.
Click to enlargeWest of Wazee Park, Jackson Co., WI. May 17, 2006.
Click to enlargeWest of Wazee Park, Jackson Co., WI. May 17, 2006.
In Ebner’s butterflies of Wisconsin, he notes that the Silvery Blue frequents open woods, but I have found this species in more open areas. In central Wisconsin I usually find this species in mid to late May while looking for the first Karner Blues of the year. Here they often nectar on the Lupine blossoms and like the Karner Blues seldom fly more than a couple feet off the ground.
Identifying characteristics: Above the male is a silvery blue with a thin black margin much like some of the other blues. The female is similar with a wider black line. Underneath the sexes are essentially the same, with a light gray background and a prominent row of black spots lined with white on both the forewing and the hindwing.
Similar species: In Wisconsin this species should not be confused with any other Blues.
Habitat: Open, woodlands, and open fields near them.
Flight: The Silvery Blue is single-brooded and may be found from the middle of May to the middle of June.
Abundance: This species is not a common butterfly throughout the state, but may become fairly abundant where found.
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Silvery Blue
Glaucopsyche lygdamus