(Maygen, 1829)
Osiris Blue
Description:
The Osiris Blue lives on sunny, flower-rich grassland and road verges rich in sainfoin (Onobrychis spp.), which it uses for its nectar and as food plant. The caterpillar feeds on various sainfoins (Onobrychis spp.), such as Sainfoin (O. viciifolia), Mountain Sainfoin (O. montana), and O. arenaria. In the literature, other leguminous plants are also mentioned, including Bladder Senna (Colutea arborescens), Kidney-vetch (Anthyllis vulneraria), and Bitter Vetch (Lathyrus montanus).
The eggs are laid on the flowerheads. The caterpillars feed on both the flowers and developing seeds and are attended by ants. The Osiris Blue has one or two broods a year, but the second may only be partial. The caterpillars hibernate and pupate between two leaves.
Habitat:
Alpine grasslands
Dry calcareous grasslands
Mesophile grasslands
Similar species:
Cupido minimus
Cupido lorquinii
Cupido argiades
Celastrina argiolus