Southern Blue
Common NameSouthern Blue
Scientific NamePolyommatus coridon
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Primary Colorsblue, brown, white
HabitatChalk and limestone grasslands, often on south-facing slopes
Geographic RangeEurope, from southern England to central Europe and eastwards
Host PlantsHippocrepis comosa (Horseshoe Vetch)
Flight PeriodJuly to September
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants in late summer, hatching the following spring. Larvae feed on leaves, often attended by ants, and pupate at the base of the host plant.
Identification TipsMales are identified by their distinctive silvery-blue upperside with broad brown margins and a white fringe with black spots. Females are mostly brown with orange submarginal spots.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly, the male features a silvery-blue upperside with broad brown margins on both forewings and hindwings, and a white fringe spotted with black.
