Provence chalk-hill blue
Common NameProvence chalk-hill blue
Scientific NamePolyommatus hispana
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)32
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorspale blue, white, black, orange
HabitatDry, grassy, calcareous hillsides, often on chalk or limestone soils
Geographic RangeSouthern France, parts of Spain, and Italy
Host PlantsHippocrepis comosa
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the host plant. Larvae feed on leaves and are myrmecophilous, associating with ants. Pupation occurs near the ground.
Identification TipsDistinguished by the specific arrangement and intensity of black spots on the underside, particularly the forewing, and the often prominent orange submarginal markings. Males have a bright blue upperside, while females are brown with orange markings.
Description
A small butterfly with pale whitish-blue undersides, featuring distinct black spots ringed with white and a submarginal band of orange spots. The body is hairy and light blue-green.
