Common Blue
Image: Josef Lauer (1818-1881) (Public domain)
Common NameCommon Blue
Scientific NamePolyommatus icarus
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)32
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsblue
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, open woodland, gardens, heathland
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, temperate Asia
Host Plantsbird's-foot trefoil, clover, restharrow
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are green and slug-like, often tended by ants, and overwinter before pupating near the ground.
Identification TipsMales are easily recognized by their bright blue dorsal wings. Females are more variable, typically brown with orange submarginal spots and sometimes blue scaling. The underside has distinctive black spots ringed in white and orange submarginal spots.
Description
A small butterfly, the male having vibrant, iridescent blue wings with a narrow dark border, as depicted in the painting.
