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Life Stages Diagram
The bars in this diagram show approximate times of the year when the butterfly will be present, in Nova Scotia, in its various life stages.

The dates shown for the adult stage are based on actual reports for Nova Scotia. The majority of reports will be within the period shown, but small numbers of adults will be earlier or later.

Dates for egg, larva and pupa are based on what information was available regarding time periods for eggs to develop, and typical time required for pupation. Like the adults, some records can be expected outside the date ranges we have shown. We caution that dates for these immature stages are mostly conjectural.

Northern Blue - Plebejus idas
[Northern Blue image]
Northern Blue - Chebucto Head - 2009-07-19
Photo © Phil Schappert
What's this?
Status in Nova Scotia
Abundant.

Flight Period
Mid June to late August.

Habitat
Coastal headlands, bogs.

Larval Foodplants
Black Crowberry (Empetrum nigrum), Dwarf Blueberry (Vaccinium cespitosum), Labrador Tea (Ledum groenlandicum), and Sheep Laurel (Kalmia angustifolia).

Similar Species in Nova Scotia
None.

Notes
Layberry says that this species flies early in the day and even in dense fog. In some locations, it probably has little choice!

Further Reading


Northern Blue - Duncan's Cove, NS, 2009-07-13
Northern Blue - Duncan's Cove, NS - 2009-07-13
2009-07-13
Photo © Phil Schappert
Northern Blue - Drysdale Bog, NS, 2011-07-17
Northern Blue - Drysdale Bog, NS - 2011-07-17
2011-07-17
Photo © Phil Schappert
Northern Blue - Near Canso, NS, 2013-07-07
Northern Blue - Near Canso, NS - 2013-07-07
2013-07-07
Photo © Phil Schappert