Austaut's Blue
Common NameAustaut's Blue
Scientific NamePlebejus austauti
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorslight brown, orange, black, white
HabitatArid grasslands, rocky slopes, steppes
Geographic RangeNorth Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia)
Host PlantsAstragalus species
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants, larvae feed on leaves and flowers, and pupation occurs near the ground. Larvae may exhibit myrmecophily, associating with ants.
Identification TipsLook for the specific pattern of black spots and the prominent orange submarginal band on the light brown underside, especially in arid regions of North Africa. Males typically have a blue upperside.
Description
A small butterfly with light brown undersides adorned with black spots ringed in white, and a distinctive submarginal band of orange spots along the hindwing.
