We are doing extensive molecular studies of this and the Melissa Blue, which are both apparently very evolutionarily dynamic. In our area Anna has two different hostplants, both Fabaceous and both occurring in boggy meadows and montane streamsides. At Lang (and below, and up to 6000' at least) the host is Lotus oblongifolius var. nevadensis, a perennial herbaceous species with bicolor, yellow-and-white flowers. At Donner and on the flanks of Castle Peak the host is Lupinus polyphyllus. Although this plant also occurs at Lang, it is never used there.

The Lycaeides melissa complex is evolving even as we watch, with several different entities present in our region. "Agricultural" melissa occurs east of the Sierra Nevada and is common in Sierra Valley. It breeds on cultivated alfalfa but is never abundant enough to cause economic damage. It may also utilize both Lupines and species of the genus Astragalus within the region. Molecularly there are two distinct types, one found from Sierraville north, the other in Carson Valley and at Verdi, NV.