(Linnaeus, 1758)
Holly Blue
Description:
The Holly Blue occurs widely, although the populations are always small. This small butterfly is very often seen in parks and gardens, as well as at woodland edges, and in bushy places.
The eggs are laid on the calyx or stem of the flowerbuds or on the ripe fruits of various sorts of plants, including Holly (Ilex aquifolium), Ivy (Hedera helix), Spindle-tree (Euonymus europaeus), Alder Buckthorn (Frangula alnus), brambles (Rubus spp.) and heathers (Calluna vulgaris and Erica spp.).
At first, the caterpillars feed on the buds and fruits of the food plant, only later eating leaves. They are attended by ants. The Holly Blue has two broods a year, and hibernates in the pupal stage.
Habitat:
Tree lines and hedges
Mixed woodland
Urban parks and gardens
Towns and villages
Deciduous forests
Similar species:
Cupido osiris
Cupido argiades
Cupido alcetas