Arctic Blue
Common NameArctic Blue
Scientific NamePlebejus glandon
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, white, black
HabitatAlpine meadows, tundra, rocky slopes, open woodlands
Geographic RangeCircumpolar Arctic and subarctic regions, high mountains in Europe, Asia, and North America
Host PlantsAstragalus, Oxytropis, Andromeda, Vaccinium, Saxifraga
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on various low-growing arctic and alpine plants, often overwintering as larvae. Pupation typically occurs near the ground.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, the brown underside with prominent white-ringed black spots, and the clear white fringe on the wing margins. Males usually have a dull blue upperside, while females are brown.
Description
A small butterfly with a hairy, grayish-brown body and a light brown underside. The wings feature a distinct pattern of black spots ringed with white, and a prominent white fringe along the margins.
