The Silver-studded Blue is in many areas throughout Europe the most abundant blue. It is found in the UK in areas of heath but is absent from Ireland, making it only one of about three countries where it is absent! It is similar to the Reverdin’s, Zephyr and Idas Blues, but it is the only one of these species to have a tiny ‘spur’ on the foreleg tibia. The upperside wing margins are broader than that of the Idas and Reverdin’s Blues whilst the Zephyr Blues lack the ‘silver studs’; small, turqouise pearl-like spots on the underside.

Distribution: All Europe except Ireland, northern Fennoscandia, northern Britain and some Mediterranean islands. Limited to higher altitudes in the south of its range.

Flight Period: May-late August in one or two broods.

Habitat: Diverse; damp to dry meadows and grasslands, bogsland margins and heaths, scrub, woodland clearings and edges, brownfield land up to 2400m, but usually lower.

Foodplants: Legumes such as Bird’s-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), Sainfoin (Onobrychis), Crown Vetch (Securigera varia), gorses (Ulex) etc. as well as rockroses (Cistus) and heathers (Erica, Calluna).

Nectar Sources: Heather (Erica), sainfoins (Onobrychis), mints (Mentha), Clary (Salvia pratensis), knapweeds (Centaurea).

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