Marine Blue (Leptotes marina)

[Trehopr1]

Some butterfly species are extreme rarities to
encounter in ones U.S state even by experienced
lepidopterists. Their records are often few and
scattered between sorted collections and various
literature.

Case in point is the occurrence of the Marine Blue
(Leptotes marina) in Illinois. In the photograph below
the top (two males) are the only captures ever made
by a good friend who has EXTENSIVELY covered our
state (top-bottom) in search of recording as many of
the states butterfly/skipper species as possible.

Through various ecology project grants and his own self
determination he has logged many thousands of miles in
his quest; and has gotten into protected locations the rest
of us could never do. He has been at it since the late 1980's.

These are very small lycaenid butterflies (the size of your
forefinger nail); so its not surprising that the species could
be so easily overlooked or hardly ever noticed.

The bottom two (females) are (out of state) specimens
acquired from another collector.

Scarce (here), unique, and a well worthy mention of capture !

[mokky]

Thank you very much for sharing interesting information with us. I am not familiar with Lycaenidae in America but I would like to tell you my guess. Judging from the information described in BOA site (https://butterfliesofamerica.com/leptotes_marina.htm), this species had been obtained from Mexico, California or Arizona. The wing markings/patterns tell that this species flies in tropical/sub-tropical zone. The reason why this species is so scarce in Illinois is, in my guess, this might be a stray one far from its main southern habitat. Sometimes a stary female comes as far north as Illinois and lay eggs and one new generation come out. But basically the environment of new frontier is too severe for this species, they would die out immediately. I know same example of a Lycaenid butterfly (Chilades pandeva) here in Japan every year.

[Trehopr1]

Indeed, mokky your hypothesis is correct !

My friend shares the same sentiments in that this species is at best a temporary resident here in the state likely blown in via big storms.

Several of our "plains" states experience springtime tornado activity which is thought to carry things aloft and afar to points unknown.... Also, during the hurricane season months several storms hit our Gulf Coast traveling inward; again effectively carrying things aloft for many hundreds of miles.

[Jshuey]

A friend just shared a photo of this rarity taken last week in NW Indiana. That seems very early for this far north - and may indicate a "big year" for the species.

John

[mokky]

Indeed, mokky your hypothesis is correct !

My friend shares the same sentiments in that this species is at best a temporary resident here in the state likely blown in via big storms.

Several of our "plains" states experience springtime tornado activity which is thought to carry things aloft and afar to points unknown.... Also, during the hurricane season months several storms hit our Gulf Coast traveling inward; again effectively carrying things aloft for many hundreds of miles.

Thank you for the detailed information. Yes, here in Japan, especially southern islands (Okinawa) welcome many stray butterflies or other insects during typhoon season (chiefly July-October) same as your place. Some enthusiasts like to visit there just after the typhoon hits. They enjoy "stray butterfly hunting".