This strikingly beautiful local and rare butterfly is found in North Carolina only in the western mountains where its host plant grows.

Botetourt Co., VA 4/19/05.

Female, Clay Co., NC 5/14/05.

Clay Co., NC 5/22/05.

This is the latest they've ever been recorded in the state.

Male, Botetourt Co., VA 4/19/05.

Same individual, Botetourt Co., VA 4/19/05.

Male, Clay Co., NC 5/14/05.

Female on its larval host plant, Carolina Vetch (Vicia caroliniana).

Botetourt Co., VA 4/19/05.