There are so many species of Blues across North America and I was delighted to figure out the species in abundance at our little homestead is Leptotes marina. I neglected to say that the larval food plants for the Marine Blue are the legumes and since our place is surrounded by mesquites (Prosopis velutina) and wait a minute bush (Mimosa biuncifera), larval food is not an issue and may explain the kazillion blues that were puddling. I was surprised to have not netted other species at the congregation, as in the past I have seen many different butterflies puddling together. I suspect that soon others will show up at these all male gatherings and my list will grow. Yay!
I have a few butterfly field guides. For quick ID out in the field I like Kenn Kaufman’s Butterflies of North America, especially since it is coauthored by Tucson’s Jim Brock. Butterflies of Arizona by Priscillla and Hank Brodkin and Bob Stewart is full of great photos! And, Butterflies Through Binoculars, by Jeffrey Glassberg is fun as well. All these book are most useful when they are kept on your truck seat.
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