The butterfly on the left is the European Common Blue. The butterfly on the right is a Coral Hairstreak.
Like many Blues and Azures, the Common Blue is a silvery grey color with black dots outlined in white on their underside. Many Blues (although not Azures) have prominent oranges dots, although there are only two Blues in Vermont – the Eastern Tailed-blue and the Common Blue. The Coral Hairstreak has wings that are more brownish than silver. Their wings also sport black dots, although with less prominent white rings around them, and orange dots, which are particularly strong on the hindwing.
The Common Blue is the most widespread Blue species in Eurasia with their range extending from the British Isles to northern China and south to the Middle East. They were accidentally introduced to Quebec outside of Montreal and have since begun to spread through Canada and the northeastern United States. They particularly like disturbed, urban environments where their host plant, Bird’s Foot Trefoil, grows. Their latin name, Polyommatus icarus, will also sound familiar as they are named after the Icarus of Greek mythology.
The Coral Hairstreak also likes human (or natural disturbance) - preferring brushy thickets and open woodlands. They are native to North America with a range touching almost every State in the US (except Florida and Louisiana) and up into southern Canada. They prefer to host on wild fruit trees like Plums, Cherries, and Serviceberries. Their latin name, Satyrium titus, is of Roman, not Greek origin. With the mythical woodland goatman, the Satyr, being the basis for their genus name.
Photos by
Coral Hairstreak by Sue Elwell (iNaturalist)
European Common Blue by Drew Baxter (iNaturalist)
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