Reverdin's Blue
Common NameReverdin's Blue
Scientific NamePlebejus argyrognomon
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsgrey, orange, black, white
HabitatDry grasslands, meadows, open woodlands, forest edges, often on calcareous soils.
Geographic RangeCentral and Southern Europe, extending eastwards through temperate Asia to Japan.
Host PlantsCoronilla varia, Lotus corniculatus, Hippocrepis comosa, Astragalus spp.
Flight PeriodMay to September (often bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are green, often attended by ants (myrmecophilous), and feed on legumes. Pupation occurs on the ground or in leaf litter; overwinters as an egg or young larva.
Identification TipsKey identification features on the underside include the complete orange submarginal band on the hindwing, which typically contains black spots, and the arrangement of black spots on both forewing and hindwing. Males have a vibrant blue upperside, while females are brown with orange markings.
Description
A small butterfly with a greyish-brown underside featuring a distinctive pattern of black spots ringed in white, and a prominent orange submarginal band on the hindwings, often with black dots within the orange.
