Large Blue
Image: MicrocosmicWorld (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common NameLarge Blue
Scientific NamePhengaris arion
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorsblue, black, brown
HabitatDry grasslands, chalk downlands, heathlands
Geographic RangeEurope, temperate Asia
Host PlantsWild Thyme, Marjoram, Myrmica ants
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on host plants before being adopted by specific Myrmica ants, living as predators within the ant nest until pupation.
Identification TipsLook for iridescent blue upperwings with a distinctive row of black spots, and a grey-brown underside with prominent black spots ringed in white.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with iridescent blue upperwings marked with black spots, and a greyish-brown underside featuring more prominent black spots.
