Pontic Blue
Common NamePontic Blue
Scientific NamePolyommatus ponticus
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Primary Colorsblue, turquoise, grey, white, black
HabitatDry grasslands, rocky slopes, steppe, subalpine meadows
Geographic RangeCaucasus region (northeastern Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan), Iran
Host PlantsAstragalus ponticus, Astragalus species
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on *Astragalus* host plants, larvae feed on the leaves, and the species typically overwinters as a larva before pupating.
Identification TipsKey features include the striking iridescent turquoise-blue basal suffusion on the ventral side, combined with the pattern of black spots on a pale greyish-white background.
Description
A small butterfly with iridescent turquoise-blue scaling on the basal ventral wings, contrasting with light grey-white outer areas and distinct black spots.
