Loew's Blue
Common NameLoew's Blue
Scientific NamePolyommatus loewii
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)31
Primary Colorsgrey, black, orange, blue
HabitatDry, rocky slopes, steppe, and open grassy areas
Geographic RangeSoutheastern Europe, Turkey, Caucasus, Middle East, Iran, Central Asia
Host PlantsAstragalus, Onobrychis
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants, and larvae feed on the leaves. Like many blues, the larvae are often myrmecophilous, associating with ants.
Identification TipsLook for the pale grey underside with distinct black spots, and the prominent orange and blue ocelli along the hindwing margin. Males typically have a blue upperside, while females are brown.
Description
A small butterfly with a pale greyish-brown underside, featuring numerous black spots ringed with white. The hindwing margin displays a row of orange lunules, each containing a metallic blue eyespot.
