Alpine Blue
Common NameAlpine Blue
Scientific NameAgriades orbitulus
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)32
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorspale blue, grey, white
HabitatAlpine meadows, subalpine grasslands, rocky slopes
Geographic RangeEuropean Alps, Pyrenees, Scandinavia, Urals, Siberia, Central Asia, Rocky Mountains (North America)
Host PlantsAstragalus alpinus, Oxytropis spp.
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae feed on leaves and flowers, often overwintering as larvae before pupating on the ground.
Identification TipsKey features include the pale greyish-white underside with prominent white spots and a white fringe. Males have a uniform blue upperside, while females are brownish.
Description
A small butterfly with a pale blue-grey, hairy body. The underside of the wings is light greyish-white with distinct white spots, often faintly ringed with darker grey, and a white fringe.
