Tag Archives: plumbago

Cassius blue

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I have started spotting the tiny cassius blue butterfly throughout the garden. It is such a fast flyer, making it hard to photograph.

In all the years I have had its host plant, plumbago, I have never spotted the caterpillars, or the chrysalis.

Its wingspan is only 15-22 mm. The egg is flattened and blue. The butterfly will lay the egg on flowers, flower buds or the developing seed pods of the plumbago.

There are two eyespots on the margin of the hind wing. The males are pale to bright blue above, while the females have a bluish-white to white above the basal area of the wing, as well as broad dark borders.

The larvae are also small, as it is approximately only .5 inches in length and are green with faint dark markings, or a patterned white faint marking.

The little . . .

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The cassius blue, lycaenidae/gossamer wings, is starting to appear constantly in the garden. I was beyond thrilled when I witnessed this little beauty laying eggs on my plumbago yesterday.

Its wingspan is only 15-22 mm. The egg is flattened and blue. The butterfly will lay the egg on flowers, flower buds or the developing seed pods of the plumbago. I have yet to find the eggs, or the caterpillars. I can only imagine the size of the caterpillar and chrysalis.

The right kind of nectar.

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The gulf fritillary butterflies are abundant in the garden this morning sipping on a variety of nectar.

The blanket flower, which I love because it reseeds itself everywhere and it’s such a gorgeous flower.

The plumbago, another great flower, was also a stop for nectar. This plant is a fast grower. I’m constantly cutting it back, promoting great bushy growth.

Left eggs behind

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I am excited to share that I witnessed a cassius blue lay eggs on my plumbago plant this afternoon.

Although I could not find the eggs, I took two portions of the plant I saw her leave eggs on and put them in the butterfly house.

The caterpillar full grown is approximately .05 inches in length with a green coloring. The female will lay single eggs on the flower buds, which the caterpillar eats, as well as the flowers and any developing seeds. The caterpillar will go through four instars before creating its chrysalis, which is tan with dark marks and short white hairs.

She took a break and drank some nectar from a red sage, before returning to the plumbago, laying more eggs.

Now a regular

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The cassius blue (leptotes cassius theonus) has become a regular visitor in our front garden. Today it seemed to enjoy the blanket flowers.

They are so tiny with a wingspan from 1.4 to 2.5 centimeters.

The males have bright blue wings, while the female has pale blue with dark borders. I am determined to photograph this little beauty with its wings open.

This species can be found in dune areas near the beach, margins of hammocks, as well as shrubby and disturbed areas.

They can also be found in gardens when you plant their host plant, or a variety of nectar. The butterfly will lay eggs on the bean and leadwort families, which includes herbs, vines, shrubs and trees.

I have the plumbago in the garden, which has become very bushy, making the tiny bluish green eggs hard to find.