Scarce Large Blue
Common NameScarce Large Blue
Scientific NamePhengaris teleius
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)37
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsblue, pale brown, black
HabitatDamp meadows, wet grasslands, marshy areas
Geographic RangeCentral and Eastern Europe, parts of Asia (Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, China, Korea, Japan)
Host PlantsGreat Burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis)
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae initially feed on the flowers and seeds of Great Burnet, then drop to the ground and are adopted by specific *Myrmica* ant species, living as predators on ant larvae within the ant nest before pupating.
Identification TipsIdentify by its pale brown underside with distinct black spots ringed with white, and its strong association with its host plant, Great Burnet, in damp grassland habitats. The upperside is blue with black spots, which are more extensive in females.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly, males typically have an iridescent blue upperside with black spots, while females have more extensive black markings. The underside, as seen in the image, is pale brown or greyish-brown with prominent black spots ringed with white.
