| Lycaeides melissa | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Lycaenidae |
| Genus: | Lycaeides |
| Species: | L. melissa |
| Binomial name | |
| Lycaeides melissa Edwards, 1873 |
|
The Melissa Blue (Lycaeides melissa) is a butterfly of the Lycaenidae family. It is found in Western North America, from Canada to Mexico. The Karner Blue (Lycaeides melissa samuelis) is a subspecies of the Melissa Blue.
The wingspan is 22–35 mm. The butterfly flies from April to August depending on the location.
The larvae feed on Lupin, Medicago and Lotus species.