Size: 0.75 - 1.0 inches wingspan

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Key ID features:  Male bright lavender blue above, female brown or gray-brown, with purple-blue iridescence when fresh. HW with white fringe and  often few or no marginal black spots. Below, gray or gray-white, with small black spots rimmed with white, variable marginal band of spots and chevrons, usually one small orange patch adjacent to small blue iridescent patch next to small white-tipped tails. Usually lacks the black cell-end bar on the upperside of the forewing.

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Similar species: Eastern Tailed-Blue tends to be more gray below, often has more orange on HW below, is smaller, and usually has a black cell end bar on the FW above.

 

Host plant: Many species in the pea family including lupines, vetches and clovers.

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Habitat: Typically found in native habitats, including wet meadows and riparian areas. ​

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Range: West of the Cascade Range, Siskiyou and Klamath Mtns,  Ochoco Mtns, Wallowa Mtns and Blue Mtns.

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Season: Late march to mid-September

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Abundance: Common

 

Conservation Status: Secure