Meleager's Blue
Common NameMeleager's Blue
Scientific NamePolyommatus daphnis
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)37.5
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorspale blue, white, black
HabitatDry grasslands, meadows, open woodlands, often on calcareous soils
Geographic RangeSouthern and Central Europe, Turkey, the Caucasus, and the Middle East
Host PlantsAstragalus, Coronilla
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants, and larvae feed on legumes, often forming symbiotic relationships with ants. They pupate near the ground, and the species overwinters as an egg.
Identification TipsLook for the pale greyish-white underside with numerous distinct black spots. Males have a brilliant iridescent blue upperside, while females are brown. The blue scaling at the base of the underside wings is also a good indicator.
Description
A small to medium-sized butterfly, males are iridescent blue above, while females are brown. The underside, as seen in the image, is pale greyish-white with distinct black spots and a light blue wash at the wing bases.
