Black-eyed Blue
Common NameBlack-eyed Blue
Scientific NameGlaucopsyche melanops
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)22
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorspale blue-grey, black
HabitatDry grasslands, scrubland, rocky slopes, open woodlands
Geographic RangeSouthern Europe (Iberian Peninsula, France, Italy), North Africa
Host PlantsDorycnium pentaphyllum, Lotus corniculatus, Coronilla minima, Astragalus
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant flowers or leaves. Larvae feed on flowers and pods, often attended by ants. Pupation occurs near the ground.
Identification TipsLook for the prominent row of large, solid black spots on the pale blue-grey underside of both wings, without any orange or white rings around them.
Description
A small butterfly with a pale blue-grey underside featuring a distinctive row of prominent black spots on both forewings and hindwings. Males have an iridescent blue upperside.
