Iolas Blue
Common NameIolas Blue
Scientific NameIolana iolas
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorspale grey, blue, black
HabitatDry, rocky areas, scrubland, garrigue, often near host plants
Geographic RangeSouthern Europe, North Africa, Middle East, Central Asia
Host PlantsColutea arborescens
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on the seed pods of host plants. Larvae are myrmecophilous, feeding internally within the seed pods, and pupation occurs either inside the pod or on the ground.
Identification TipsKey features include its relatively large size for a 'blue', the pale greyish-blue underside, and the prominent, well-defined black spots on the underside, particularly the submarginal row. Its strong association with *Colutea* species is also a strong indicator.
Description
This small butterfly displays a pale greyish-blue underside adorned with a distinctive pattern of prominent black spots, some encircled by white, across both forewings and hindwings. Its body is covered in fine, pale hairs.
