Western Square-spotted 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 regional physical differences are often discernible.

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 Square-spotted blue, shown above, has a connected orange band, along with the large, almost square spots on the fore wing. It is possibly the Western Square-spotted blue or Western Square-dotted Blue (Euphilotes battoides). The identification is tentative.

© 2009 Patricia A. Michaels