Focus on nature.

The MISSION BLUE BUTTERFLY (Icaricia icarioides missionensis) measures only 1 to 1 3/8 inches in length. The male flaunts iridescent violet-blue upperwings while the female is discreet in mostly brown. Underwings are off-white with spots. This endangered insect feeds on perennial lupines in coastal and montane habitat on the San Bruno Mountain and in the Marin Headlands in northern California. Eggs laid on these lupines hatch into larvae (caterpillars) which over-winter half-grown. Pupating in a chrysalis for a few weeks, the larva emerges as an adult butterfly in the spring to reproduce and live for about one month. Introduced plant species are squeezing out the native lupines necessary for this butterfly's survival. You can help ensure the quality and quantity of butterfly habitat by donating your time or money to a nature conservation organization. [c] 1998-2001 by endangered species artist Rochelle Mason. www.rmasonfinearts.com. [phone]