Turquoise Blue
Common NameTurquoise Blue
Scientific NamePolyommatus dorylas
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)31
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, orange, black, blue
HabitatDry grasslands, rocky slopes, flowery meadows, often in mountainous regions
Geographic RangeCentral and Southern Europe, parts of Western Asia
Host PlantsAnthyllis vulneraria, Hippocrepis comosa
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are myrmecophilous, feeding on leaves and overwintering as larvae. Pupation occurs near the ground.
Identification TipsLook for the pale brown underside with prominent black spots ringed in white and a clear submarginal orange band on the hindwing. Males are easily identified by their striking turquoise-blue uppersides.
Description
A small butterfly with a pale brown underside featuring a row of black spots ringed with white, and a distinctive submarginal band of orange spots on the hindwing. Males have brilliant iridescent turquoise-blue uppersides.
