The Escher’s Blue is similar to the Chapman’s Blue in appearance but is subtly larger,  has bolder markings and the male lacks the upperside scent patch in addition to possessing lighter, sky-blue uppersides.  Its lack of the forewing cell spot also helps to separate it from the Common and Eros Blues. It is widespread but local in southern Europe, preferring hilly flower-rich areas. The males are frequently seen in the company of other blues mudpuddling, as was the case when I saw it in the Pyrenees where there were well over 100 counted at one site.

Distribution: Eastern Spain through S France, S Switzerland, C and N Italy, the Dalmatian coast and the southern Balkans.

Flight Period: Mid May- August in 1 brood, peaking in June and July.

Habitat: Dry scrub, calcareous meadows, rocky grassland, dry woodland clearings from 500m-2000m.

Foodplants: Various species of Milk vetch (Astragalus).

Nectar Sources: Scabiouses (Knautia), Allium, brambles (Rubus), Marjoram (Origanum vulgare), thymes (Thymus), Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea), Clary (Salvia sclarea) etc. Frequently mudpuddles.

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