The male Mazarine Blue has a rich royal-blue uppperside and can be quite territorial, resting on a flowerhead or grass stem and aggressively driving off any passing insects. Whilst it is feeding however it can be quite passive and can be easily approached at times. Females are generally more reclusive, lacking the blue upperside colouration and generally spending more time close to the ground around the foodplant. It once occurred in Britain but became extinct in the 20th century. It is still present throughout most of continental Europe, although I have never found it in abundance.

Distribution: Most of Europe, but absent from Britain and Ireland, much of Iberia, parts of Fennoscandia and most Mediterranean islands.

Flight Period: May-August, usually in 1 brood but may be double or triple brooded in some areas.

Habitat: Meadows, field margins, woodland clearings, subalpine meadows at a variety of altitudes.

Foodplants: Various clovers (Trifolium).

Nectar Sources: Bird’s-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), clovers (Trifolium) and other flowers; frequently takes salts from damp ground.

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