Ripart's Anomalous Blue
Common NameRipart's Anomalous Blue
Scientific NamePolyommatus ripartii
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)32
Primary Colorsbeige, brown, black, white, blue
HabitatDry, rocky grasslands, scrubland, open woodlands, often on calcareous soils
Geographic RangeSouthern Europe, Turkey, Caucasus, Central Asia
Host PlantsOnobrychis viciifolia, Onobrychis arenaria
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae feed on the host plant and are often myrmecophilous, associating with ants. The species overwinters as a larva.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the distinct white streak on the underside of the hindwing and the arrangement of black spots. The upperside coloration (blue in males, brown in females) is also characteristic.
Description
A small butterfly with a light beige to brown underside, characterized by a prominent white streak across the hindwing and a series of black spots. Males typically have iridescent blue uppersides, while females are brown.
