About Philotes sonorensis (C.Felder & R.Felder, 1865)
Philotes is a genus of butterflies in the family Lycaenidae. This is a monotypic genus, meaning it contains only one species: Philotes sonorensis, commonly known as the Sonoran blue or stonecrop blue. This species is found in North America, specifically in California and Baja California. Its natural habitat includes rocky washes, rocky outcrops, and rocky cliffs in desert regions. The wingspan of Philotes sonorensis ranges from 22 to 25 mm. The larvae of this butterfly feed on species of the genus Dudleya, including D. cymosa, D. lanceolata, and D. saxosa. The larvae bore into the leaves of their host plants to feed. Over the winter, chrysalids of this species hibernate underneath stones.
