(Rottemburg, 1775)
Common Blue
Description:
The Common Blue is a very common butterfly. It looks rather like Chapman's Blue (P. thersites), but the two black spots on the underside of its front wings distinguish it. It can be found on most types of grassy vegetation, ranging from quite dry, poor grassland to moderately damp meadows.
The female lays her eggs on a variety of leguminous plants, including Common Birdsfoot–trefoil (Lotus corniculatus). The caterpillars feed on the leaves. They are attended by ants of the genera Lasius, Formica, Myrmica, Tapinoma, and Plagiolepis. When half-grown, the caterpillars may hibernate in the litter layer. In hot climates, aestivation also takes place, in the egg or larval stage. The caterpillars pupate in the litter layer.
Depending on the geographical position and altitude of the breeding ground, the Common Blue has one to three generations a year.
Habitat:
Dry siliceous grasslands
Dry calcareous grasslands
Mesophile grasslands
Similar species:
Polyommatus thersites
Polyommatus escheri
Polyommatus dorylas
Polyommatus bellargus