Ceraunus Blue
Hemiargus ceraunus
This butterfly was photographed along Camp Creek east of Carefree, Arizona. Sept. 2008. The real eyes are facing downward in this photo. Eye-spots on the hindwing margin are at the top and may cause a predator to misdirect its attack,
Lycaenidae -- Gossamer-winged Butterfly Family
Edward's Blue has a wingspan of roughly 19 mm. The small slug-like caterpillar feeds upon the leaves of catclaw, mesquite and other members of the bean family. They are commonly found in the Sonoran Desert particularly along washes and in canyons. Damp soil near a spring or riparian stream is a frequent place to see them.