This is a stunning little alpine butterfly, the male of which possesses a strikingly rich blue upperside. The underside is the key identifying feature, as it is a fairly uniform greyish colour with several white blotches without any black pupils. It usually exists in discrete colonies and is unlikely to be found in large numbers. Both sexes may be found mudpuddling in the company of other blues, or nectaring on small legumes.

Distribution: In Europe this species is limited to higher regions of the Alps, as well as the hills of southern Norway and Sweden.

Flight Period: Flies in a single generation between June and August, peaking in mid-July in the Alps and in early July in Scandinavia.

Habitat: Inhabits high alpine meadows, lush woodland edges and subalpine grassland, albeit somewhat locally.

Foodplants: Uses several species of milkvetch (Astragalus) and oxytrope (Oxytropis).

Nectar Sources: I have recorded it visiting Alpine Sainfoin (Onobrychis montana). It may also visit thymes (Thymus) or houseleeks (Sempervivum).