Chalk Hill Blue
Common NameChalk Hill Blue
Scientific NamePolyommatus coridon
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)36
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, orange, white
HabitatCalcareous grasslands, chalk downlands, sunny slopes, often on chalk or limestone soils.
Geographic RangeCentral and Southern Europe, extending into parts of Asia Minor.
Host PlantsHippocrepis comosa (Horseshoe Vetch)
Flight PeriodJuly to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the host plant. Larvae are green, myrmecophilous (associated with ants), and feed on Horseshoe Vetch. Pupation occurs at the base of the host plant.
Identification TipsMales are unmistakable silvery-blue with a white fringe. Females are brown with a prominent row of orange spots on the hindwing underside, which helps distinguish them from other brown 'blue' butterflies.
Description
The female Chalk Hill Blue in the image displays a warm brown upperside (partially visible) and a pale brown underside, adorned with a distinctive row of bright orange submarginal spots on the hindwings, bordered by black dots and white fringes.
