Small Dusky-blue
Common NameSmall Dusky-blue
Scientific NameCupido minimus
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)23
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, blue
HabitatChalk grasslands, limestone areas, dry meadows, railway embankments
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, temperate Asia
Host PlantsAnthyllis vulneraria
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the flower heads of the host plant. Larvae feed on the flowers and developing seeds, often attended by ants, and pupate at the base of the plant, overwintering as pupae.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its very small size, the lack of orange markings on the underside, and the presence of only a few small black spots on the greyish-brown hindwing underside.
Description
A very small butterfly with a plain greyish-brown underside, typically showing a few small black spots, and a dusky blue upperside (not visible in this image).
