Baton Blue
Common NameBaton Blue
Scientific NamePolyommatus amandus
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorslight blue, grey, black, orange
HabitatFlowery meadows, forest clearings, open woodlands, grasslands
Geographic RangeCentral and Southern Europe, Turkey, Caucasus, Central Asia
Host PlantsVicia cracca, Vicia spp.
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae feed on vetch, often attended by ants, and overwinter as larvae. Pupation occurs near the ground.
Identification TipsLook for the combination of black spots and the prominent orange submarginal spots on the light blue-grey underside, especially on the hindwing. Males have a brilliant blue upperside.
Description
A small to medium-sized butterfly with a light blue-grey underside adorned with numerous black spots and a distinctive row of orange submarginal spots on the hindwings. The upperside of males is typically a vibrant iridescent blue.
