Blue butterflies , with their shimmering , sapphire - like wings , are among nature ’s most enchanting pollinators , belonging to the social club order Lepidoptera , primarily in the Lycaenidae , Nymphalidae , and Papilionidae families . These radiant insects , observe across diverse habitats from temperate hayfield to tropic rainforest , use their vibrant blue hues for match draw , disguise , or signaling perniciousness through mimicry .

Native to neighborhood spanning North America , Europe , Asia , Africa , and South America , aristocratical butterflies , with wingspans ranging from 0.5 to 5 inch , thrive in sunny , undecided orbit , feed in on nectar from plant like buddleia , lantana , or old maid flower , while their caterpillars rely on specific emcee plants such as clover , oak , or citrus fruit . Their striking blue coloration , often due to morphologic opalescence rather than pigments , results from microscopic wing scales refracting luminosity , creating a jewel - comparable outcome .

Why Blue Butterflies Are a Garden and Ecosystem jewel

gloomy butterfly stroke captivate with their ethereal , precious stone - tone extension , symbolizing serenity , transmutation , and stirring across cultures . Their blue coloration , typically produced by structural iridescence rather than paint , serve purposes like attracting married person , go with sky or H2O reflectivity , or deterring predators , as control in species like the Blue Morpho .

Blue Butterflies

1 . Blue Morpho ( Morpho peleides )

Blue Morpho , a Nymphalidae butterfly stroke , is a tropic icon found in Central and South America , with a 4–6 - column inch wingspan . Its dorsal wings play with iridescent blue , while the undersides are brown with eyespots for camouflage . Larvae provender on Fabaceae like Inga , and adults sip moulder yield or Lantana nectar . flora inga tree 15–20 feet apart in zones 10–11 , idealistic for South Florida conservatories . Their gliding flight of stairs in rainforest produce them a dazzling mint , often featured in butterfly stroke house .

2 . Common Blue ( Polyommatus icarus )

Common Blue , a Lycaenidae butterfly , is widespread in Europe , Asia , and North Africa , with a 1–1.5 - inch wingspan . Male have vibrant blue dorsal wings , while females are dark-brown with orange spots . Larvae provender on Fabaceae like Trifolium ( trefoil ) , and adults sip Aster ambrosia . plant life clover 12–18 inches apart in zone 4–8 , befit for UK or Oregon garden . Their fluttering trajectory in hayfield adds a delicate blue charm , thriving in cheery grassland .

3 . Karner Blue ( Plebejus melissa samuelis )

Karner Blue , a Lycaenidae butterfly stroke from North America , has a 1 - column inch wingspan with dreary dorsal wing in male person and gray - blue with orange tree band in females . Larvae feed entirely on Lupinus perennis ( wild lupin ) , and adults sip Solidago nectar . Plant lupines 12–18 inch apart in zones 4–8 , ideal for Wisconsin or New York garden . Their low flight in pine barrens makes them a preservation focus due to habitat exit .

4 . Adonis Blue ( Polyommatus bellargus )

Adonis Blue , a Lycaenidae butterfly from Europe , has a 1–1.5 - inch wingspan with brilliant sky - bluish dorsal wings in Male and brown with orangish spots in females . Larvae provender on Hippocrepis comosa ( horseshoe vetch ) , and adult sip Centaurea nectar . industrial plant vetch 12–18 inches aside in zone 4–8 , suit for UK garden . Their vibrant flight in methamphetamine grassland total a azure glow , thriving in sunny , calcareous soils .

5 . Mission Blue ( Icaricia icarioides missionensis )

Mission Blue , a Lycaenidae butterfly stroke from California , has a 1 - column inch wingspan with blue dorsal annexe in males and brown - blue with Orange River in female person . Larvae feed on Lupinus species , and adults sip Eriogonum nectar . industrial plant lupines 12–18 inches aside in zones 7–9 , ideal for San Francisco gardens . Their frail flight of steps in coastal prairie makes them a rarefied , endangered coinage , protect by conservation efforts .

6 . Palos Verdes Blue ( Glaucopsyche lygdamus palosverdesensis )

Palos Verdes Blue , a Lycaenidae butterfly stroke from California , has a 1 - in wingspan with aristocratic dorsal wings in male person and gray - browned in female person . Larvae provender on Astragalus or Lotus , and adult sip Eriogonum ambrosia . industrial plant milkvetch 12–18 inches apart in zone 7–9 , suited for Los Angeles gardens . Their modest flight in coastal bluffs makes them critically endangered , with restoration efforts boosting their population .

7 . Blue Pansy ( Junonia orithya )

Blue Pansy , a Nymphalidae butterfly from Africa , Asia , and Australia , has a 1.5–2 - inch wingspread with black offstage and blue patch , plus orange eyespots . Larvae feed on Acanthaceae like Hygrophila , and adults sip Zinnia nectar . Plant barleria 12–18 inches aside in zone 10–11 , ideal for tropic exhibits . Their rapid flight in grassland adds a vibrant blue charm , prosper in sunny conditions .

8 . Pipevine Swallowtail ( Battus philenor )

Pipevine Swallowtail , a Papilionidae butterfly from North America , has a 3–4 - column inch wingspan with black wings and iridescent blue hindwings in Male . Larvae feed on Aristolochia ( pipevine ) , and adults sip Lantana nectar . Plant pipevines 10–15 infantry aside in zones 4–10 , suit for Texas or Virginia garden . Their gliding flight in timberland adds a bold grim elegance , with toxic larvae dissuade predators .

9 . Eastern Tailed - Blue ( Cupido comyntas )

Eastern Tailed - Blue , a Lycaenidae butterfly from easterly North America , has a 0.8–1 - inch wingspread with blue dorsal wing in male and slate - Robert Gray in females , plus a hindwing tail . Larvae feed on Fabaceae like Trifolium , and adults sip Aster ambrosia . plant life trefoil 12–18 inch apart in zones 3–9 , ideal for Pennsylvania garden . Their low , quiver flight of steps in fields tot a delicate blasphemous glitter .

10 . Silver - Studded low ( Plebejus argus )

Silver - Studded Blue , a Lycaenidae butterfly from Europe , has a 1–1.5 - inch wingspan with profane dorsal wings in males and brown with Orange River in females . Larvae provender on Fabaceae or Ericaceae , and grownup sip Calluna nectar . Plant heather 12–18 inches apart in zone 4–8 , suited for UK gardens . Their finespun flight in heathland add a sapphire gleam , flourish in sunny , acidic soil .

11 . Blue Metalmark ( Lasaia genus Sula )

Blue Metalmark , a Riodinidae butterfly from Central and South America , has a 1–1.5 - inch wingspread with ignominious wing and metal blue patches . Larvae feed on Acanthaceae , and adults sip Lantana nectar . works barleria 12–18 inches apart in zone 10–11 , suit for South Florida garden . Their speedy , flash flight in forests add together a jewel - like blue spark , thriving in humid circumstance .

12 . Holly Blue ( Celastrina argiolus )

Holly Blue , a Lycaenidae butterfly from Europe and Asia , has a 1–1.5 - inch wingspan with wan blue dorsal wing and white bottom with black smirch . Larvae provender on Ilex ( holly ) or Hedera ( ivy ) , and adults sip Buddleia nectar . industrial plant holly 10–15 feet aside in zone 4–8 , befit for UK or Oregon gardens . Their delicate escape in garden and woodland adds a easygoing low charm .

13 . Agathina Emperor ( Doxocopa agathina )

Agathina Emperor , a Nymphalidae butterfly stroke from South America , has a 2.5–3 - column inch wingspan with black wings and iridescent blue band in males . Larvae provender on Apocynaceae , and adults sip rotting fruit or Hibiscus ambrosia . Plant oleander 10–15 foot aside in zona 10–11 , idealistic for Miami conservatories . Their swift flight in rainforests add a regal puritanic elegance .

14 . Blue - Banded King Crow ( Euploea eunice )

Blue - ring King Crow , a Nymphalidae butterfly stroke from Southeast Asia and Australia , has a 2.5–3 - inch wingspread with opprobrious wing and dark band . Larvae feed on Apocynaceae like Ficus , and adults sip Lantana ambrosia . Plant FIG 15–20 feet asunder in zones 10–11 , suited for coastal California . Their sailing flight in timber impart a vibrant drab contrast , thriving in humid climate .

15 . Green - Banded Swallowtail ( Papilio phorcas ) – Blue Morph

Green - band Swallowtail , a Papilionidae butterfly from Africa , has a 3–3.5 - in wingspread , with rarified blue morphs replacing the distinctive light-green banding . Larvae feed on Rutaceae like Citrus , and grownup sip Ixora nectar . Plant citrus 15–20 feet apart in zones 10–11 , ideal for tropical exhibits . Their graceful flight in forests wee-wee the blue morph a rarified , sapphire treasure .

16 . Hawaiian Blue ( Udara blackburni )

Hawaiian Blue , a Lycaenidae butterfly endemic to Hawaii , has a 1 - inch wingspread with coloured green ventral fender and dismal dorsal offstage in male . Larvae feed on Acacia koa , and adults sip Hibiscus nectar . Plant koa 15–20 feet asunder in zones 10–11 , befit for Hawaiian gardens . Their leafage - alike flying adds a subtle blue charm , making them a native treasure .

17 . Blue - band Eggfly ( Hypolimnas alimena )

Blue - ring Eggfly , a Nymphalidae butterfly stroke from Australia and Southeast Asia , has a 2–2.5 - inch wingspread with sinister wings and blue bands in male . Larvae feed on Acanthaceae , and adults sip Zinnia nectar . Plant barleria 12–18 inch aside in zones 10–11 , idealistic for tropical exhibits . Their rapid flight in woods adds a bluff down vibrancy .

18 . Blue Triangle ( Graphium sarpedon )

Blue Triangle , a Papilionidae butterfly from Australia and Southeast Asia , has a 3–4 - inch wingspan with black-market extension and turquoise - blue set . Larvae feed on Cinnamomum ( camphor ) , and adults sip Hibiscus ambrosia . industrial plant camphor trees 15–20 understructure aside in zones 10–11 , suited for South Florida . Their swift , triangular flight of steps in wood adds a blazing dark elegance .

19 . Short - Tailed Blue ( Cupido argiades )

dead - Tailed Blue , a Lycaenidae butterfly stroke from Europe and Asia , has a 1–1.5 - column inch wingspread with profane dorsal wings in males and brown in females , plus a little after part . Larvae feed on Fabaceae like Medicago , and adults sip Aster ambrosia . plant life alfalfa 12–18 inch apart in geographical zone 4–8 , suited for Germany gardens . Their low escape in hayfield tot up a delicate blue sparkle .

20 . Blue - Spotted Crow ( Euploea midamus )

Blue - Spotted Crow , a Nymphalidae butterfly from Southeast Asia , has a 2.5–3 - column inch wingspread with dark wing and blue spot . Larvae feed on Apocynaceae , and adult sip Lantana nectar . Plant rose bay 10–15 ft aside in zones 10–11 , ideal for tropical exhibits . Their gliding flight in forests adds a vibrant blue demarcation , boom in humid conditions .

21 . Sapphire Flutterer ( Rhyothemis triangularis )

Sapphire Flutterer , a Nymphalidae butterfly from Southeast Asia , has a 1.5–2 - in wingspan with bootleg wings and iridescent blue patches . Larvae feed on Acanthaceae , and adults sip Zinnia nectar . Plant barleria 12–18 inches aside in zones 10–11 , suited for South Florida . Their speedy , fluttering flight in wetland contribute a sapphire jewel - similar glow .

Attracting Blue Butterflies: Essential Tips

To pull blue butterflies , plant host and ambrosia plants suited to your USDA zone ( 3–11 ) . Use Lupinus , Trifolium , Aristolochia , or Acacia for larvae , space 10–20 feet apart based on plant size of it , and Buddleia , Lantana , Zinnia , or Aster for nectar , space 12–18 column inch aside . Ensure full sunlight ( 6 + time of day daily ) and well - drained dirt ( pH 6–7 ) . Avoid semisynthetic pesticides , using neem oil colour or companion planting with marigolds to dissuade pests like aphid .

Provide shallow water dish with pebbles for mineral sipping and flat rocks for basking . In cool zones ( 3–8 ) , use row cover or greenhouses to extend the season ; in zona 9–11 , maintain humidness for tropical mintage like Blue Morpho . Deadhead nectar industrial plant to sustain blooms , and avoid overwatering to forbid root rotting . curb local regulations for alien host plant to avoid invasiveness , and source from native glasshouse to assure ecological compatibility .

Design Ideas for Butterfly Gardens

Blue butterflies add a serene , jewel - corresponding vibrancy to garden invention . Plant Blue Morpho or Blue Triangle in tropical beds with Inga and Lantana , paired with ferns for shade and grain . make a moderate meadow with Common Blue or Karner Blue using Trifolium and Echinacea , accented by Coreopsis for a blue - yellow palette . contrive a woodland edge with Pipevine Swallowtail and Aristolochia , underplanted with Buddleia for nectar and contrast .

Use Hawaiian Blue in coastal gardens with Acacia koa and Hibiscus , complemented by grasses like Panicum . For little spaces , maturate Zinnia and Pentas in containers for Eastern Tailed - Blue , mate with nanus shrubs . These layout appeal butterflies , backing pollinators like bees , and boost biodiversity , but ward off heavy shade or incursive species to insure sizeable ecosystem .

Ecological and Cultural Significance

Blue butterflies are vital pollinators , help crop like fruits , vegetables , and ornamentals , and their front point racy ecosystem . With close to 17,500 butterfly mintage globally ( 750 in North America ) , gloomy metal money face threats from deforestation , pesticide utilization , and climate variety , particularly endangered one like Palos Verdes Blue . Culturally , blue butterflies symbolise peace , Bob Hope , and unearthly transformation in traditions from Native American lore to Asiatic mythology , often featured in fine art , jewellery , and conservation campaigns .

Their iridescent wings barrack scientific inquiry into photonics and preservation effort , such as those by the Xerces Society and Butterfly Conservation . However , their vivacious colors make them target for predatory animal , and overhandling risks wing damage , so maintain with field glasses or cameras for minimal upset .

Challenges and Conservation

drab butterfly present significant challenge , including home ground loss , urban conurbation , and pesticide exposure , which reduce population of species like Mission Blue in coastal regions . Climate change disrupts genteelness cycle , while parasite and predators threaten larvae . Adopt organic gardening practices , avoiding chemical pesticide and using neem oil or companion planting to manage pests . Support preservation initiatives like the North American Butterfly Association or local asylum , such as California ’s Monarch Grove .

Source server and ambrosia plants from reputable suppliers like Prairie Moon Nursery , Native Plant Finder , or Annie ’s Annuals to insure disease - gratis , native origin . ward off planting in frost - prostrate areas without season extenders like cloches , and participate in citizen science via political program like iNaturalist to track butterfly population . Conservation exertion , such as home ground restoration for Karner Blue in the Great Lakes , offer Leslie Townes Hope for sustaining these lazuline pollinators .