Home / Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae) / Eastern Tailed Blue (Cupido comyntas)

Eastern Tailed Blue (Cupido comyntas)

The Eastern Tailed Blue is a species of small butterflies native to parts of the United States. Interestingly, these butterflies, as well as their other stages, can be of various colors. These butterflies are distinguished by a pair of narrow tails on each of their hindwings.

Scientific Classification

Family: Lycaenidae
Genus: Cupido
Common names: Eastern tailed-blue
Scientific Name: Cupido comyntas

Description and Identification

Caterpillar

Mature larvae can be of various colors ranging from light tan or gray to green and pinkish olive. After hatching, the caterpillars hibernate during winter. They consume buds, flowers, and seeds.

Pupa

The pupa is formed during springtime, after the period of hibernation of the caterpillar is over. They hang from the tender green leaves of their host plant.

Adult Butterfly

Sexual Dimorphism: Distinctly present

Color and Appearance: When the wings are open, the males of the species generally display an iridescent blue hue on the upper side, whereas the females are either lighter blue to brown, or else have a charcoal coloration. However, the coloration varies between both the males and the females including varied shades of pink and purple. When the wings are closed, the underside of the wings can display a variety of shades ranging from tan to blue-white. Two or three black to orange chevron-shaped marks on the rear side of the secondary wings, as also a trailing tail from the innermost one of the marks are also seen.

Average wingspan: 21 to 29 mm (0.83 to 1.14 in)

Flight pattern: Fast, at a low height

Eggs

They are laid especially on flower buds. There are usually three broods a year.

Quick Facts
Distribution	Everywhere in the eastern part of North America
Habitat	Open, sunny places like weedy areas and disturbed habitats
Host plants	Several varieties of legumes, including vetches and clover
Adult diet	Nectar from flowers including wild strawberry, winter cress, sweet white clover, cinquefoils, asters, shepherd’s needle, etc.

Did You Know?

Unlike most other members of the Lycaenid group, these small butterflies perch with open wings at an angle of 45° while basking.
They are known to secrete a chemical compound that is favored by some species of ants. The ants, in turn, protect the caterpillar from other predators.