Provençal short-tailed blue
Common NameProvençal short-tailed blue
Scientific NameCupido alcetas
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)27.5
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorspale blue, white, black
HabitatDamp meadows, forest clearings, riverbanks, and other moist grassy areas
Geographic RangeCentral and Southern Europe, extending eastwards into parts of Western Asia
Host PlantsCoronilla varia, Lotus corniculatus, Vicia spp., Lathyrus spp.
Flight PeriodMay to September (typically two to three broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the host plant. Larvae feed on flowers and seeds, and are often associated with ants. Pupation occurs near the ground.
Identification TipsLook for the pale underside with small black spots and the absence of prominent orange markings. It can be distinguished from similar blues by the presence of very short or vestigial tails on the hindwings, though these can be absent in some individuals.
Description
A small butterfly with pale greyish-white undersides, often with a faint blue wash near the body, and marked with a series of small black spots. The body is hairy and pale blue.
