Green-underside Blue
Common NameGreen-underside Blue
Scientific NameGlaucopsyche alexis
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Primary Colorsgrey, blue, green, black, white
HabitatMeadows, dry grasslands, forest clearings, scrubland
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, temperate Asia
Host PlantsCoronilla varia, Lotus corniculatus, Onobrychis viciifolia, Astragalus, Vicia
Flight PeriodApril to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant flowers or leaves. Larvae are often myrmecophilous (associated with ants) and pupate on the ground or in leaf litter.
Identification TipsThe most distinctive feature is the iridescent green-blue patch on the underside of the hindwing, which is unique among European blues. The upperside is violet-blue in males and brownish-blue in females.
Description
A small butterfly with pale greyish-blue undersides, characterized by a prominent iridescent green-blue patch at the base of the hindwing and a series of black spots ringed with white.
