Host Plants
The Mission Blue butterfly is entirely dependent upon three species of lupine (lupin) in the genus Lupinus: the silver lupine, Lupinus albifrons, the summer lupine, Lupinus formosus and the varied lupine, Lupinus variicolor. Ironically, the same harmful toxins which have led to the eradication of several lupines from rangeland are responsible for the protection of the Mission Blue larvae, as predators are deterred by the bitter taste.
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