Pale Hedge Blue
Common NamePale Hedge Blue
Scientific NameCelastrina argiolus
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorspale blue, grey, black
HabitatWoodlands, hedgerows, gardens, parks, forest edges
Geographic RangeEurope, Asia, North Africa, parts of North America
Host PlantsHolly (Ilex), Ivy (Hedera), Dogwood (Cornus), Buckthorn (Rhamnus), Spindle (Euonymus)
Flight PeriodApril to May, July to August (bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the flower buds of host plants. Larvae feed on flowers and young leaves, often camouflaged. Pupae typically overwinter.
Identification TipsLook for its pale blue-grey underside with small, scattered black spots, distinguishing it from other blues that may have more prominent markings or different ground colors. It often flies high around trees and shrubs.
Description
A small, delicate butterfly with pale blue-grey undersides marked with scattered small black spots. The upper side is typically a brighter blue, especially in males.
