Amanda's Blue
Common NameAmanda's Blue
Scientific NamePolyommatus amandus
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, blue, black, orange
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, open woodlands, flowery areas
Geographic RangeEurope, Western Asia, Siberia, Central Asia
Host PlantsVicia cracca, Vicia spp.
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants, primarily vetch species. Larvae feed on the host plant and are often attended by ants. The species overwinters as a larva, pupating near the ground in spring.
Identification TipsMales have a bright blue upperside without black spots, while females have a brown upperside, sometimes with blue scaling and orange marginal spots. The underside pattern with prominent black spots and a row of orange lunules on a light brown-grey background is key for identification.
Description
A small butterfly with a light blue body and antennae. The underside of the wings is light brown-grey with a distinct pattern of black spots, some ringed with white, and a row of orange crescents along the hindwing margin.
