Melissa Blue (Plebejus melissa): This beautiful species of blue butterfly is one of the more widespread blues in the West, ranging from Canada to the southwest. They tend to be found in open prairies, sagebrush, and dry wood edges and clearings. The larvae feed on lupine and are protected / tended by ants who feed on the larvae’s sugary secretions. Photo by Glenn Marangelo on 8/12/18 near Clinton, MT.