Species Insects & ArthropodsArrowhead Blue

Arrowhead Blue

Glaucopsyche piasus

UncommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Arrowhead Blue (Glaucopsyche piasus)

The Arrowhead Blue is a beautiful western small blue butterfly with males showing bright iridescent blue and females with extensive blue iridescence as well — unusual for female blues. Its underside bears distinctive arrow-shaped spots that give it its common name. It is closely associated with lupine host plants in open western forests.

Habitat
Open mountain forests and meadows with lupine
Diet
Larvae: lupine flowers and seeds. Adults: nectar from wildflowers
How common
Uncommon

Best time to see a Arrowhead Blue

The best time to see a Arrowhead Blue is May–June, when about 71% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 742 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Not certain it is a Arrowhead Blue? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent Arrowhead Blue sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Arrowhead Blue? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.

Get Huck

Get an alert when a Arrowhead Blue is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love insects & arthropods? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More insects & arthropods

Arrowhead Spiketail
Arrowhead Spiketail
Cordulegaster obliqua
Ashen Pinion Moth
Ashen Pinion Moth
Lithophane antennata
Asian Lady Beetle
Asian Lady Beetle
Harmonia axyridis
Asian Tiger Mosquito
Asian Tiger Mosquito
Aedes albopictus
Atala Butterfly
Atala Butterfly
Eumaeus atala
Atlantis Fritillary
Atlantis Fritillary
Speyeria atlantis
Autumn Meadowhawk
Autumn Meadowhawk
Sympetrum vicinum
Azalea Sphinx
Azalea Sphinx
Darapsa myron