Pacific Dotted Blue

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Physical similarities among species of the Euphilotes genus of blue butterflies means identification problems abound.

Generally the genus divides along Square-Spotted Blue and Dotted Blue groups, often called complexes, because even within groups, slight physical differences are discernible in different geographical regions.

Generally the square-spotted blues are identified by the presence of a connected band of orange on the underside of the hind wing, while the orange band on the dotted blues is disconnected.

The Pacific Dotted Blue (Plebejus acmon), shown above, has a disconnected orange band, along with the large, almost square spots on the fore wing. The identification is tentative.

© 2009 Patricia A. Michaels