As its name would suggest, this is Ireland’s (and Europe’s) commonest blue butterfly. It is a very variable species, with several recognised forms occurring across its range. Ireland is home to the beautiful marsicolore variety, of which the female has a strong blue flush and orange spots on the upperside. In Ireland it tends to be more numerous in flowery coastal areas but in Europe it can be seen just as frequently inland, even in mountainous areas. It can be separated from other similar species such as the Chapman’s Blue by the combination of a small spot near the base of the underside forewing, its medium size and a less-prominent white underside patch.

Distribution: Virtually all of Europe, although replaced with the Southern Blue (Polyommatus celina) in southern Iberia.

Flight Period: Variable; June-August in colder climes but can be seen all year in the Canary Islands.

Habitat: Meadows, dunes, woodland rides and clearings, heaths, grassy areas, scrub at a wide range of altitudes.

Foodplants: Primarily Bird’s-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), but will take other related plants.

Nectar Sources: Bird’s-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), knapweeds (Centaurea), thistles (Cirsium), clovers (Trifolium), vetches (Vicia) and Marjoram (Origanum vulgare) among others.

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