This species presents several problems in terms of its taxonomy, as several variantsĀ  occur across Europe and these are considered as full species by some. My understanding of the situation is that the Provence, Azure and Spanish Chalkhill Blues are separate species, whilst the others such as the Macedonian Chalkhill Blue, are subspecies of P. coridon, which is by far the most widespread and common of the four. It is a relatively large blue with a pale sky-blue upperside and a pale, lightly marked underside (especially in the males). In areas of calcareous soils it can be fairly numerous and is often the commonest blue.

Distribution: Most of central and southern Europe. Absent from northern Britain, Ireland, Fennoscandia, Denmark, Portugal, most of Spain and much of Italy.

Flight Period: June-September in 1 brood.

Habitat: Dry meadows, flowery places, low-growing scrub, meadows; often occupying areas of short grass on calcareous substrates.

Foodplants: Horseshoe Vetch (Hippocrepis comosa)

Nectar Sources: Eryngium, thymes (Thymus), Allium, scabiouses (Knautia), knapweeds (Centaurea), thistles (Cirsium), Marjoram (Origanum vulgare). Frequently mudpuddles and sometimes takes nutrients from carrion or excrement.

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