Despite its name, this butterfly has a dark brown upperside and greyish underside; with only some individuals possessing a dusting of blue at the wing bases. It is however, Ireland’s smallest butterfly, with a wingspan of around 20mm. It is fairly local, but can be numerous where it occurs. In Sheskinmore, Co. Donegal I have counted over 100 individuals on sunny afternoons in early June.

Distribution: Most of Europe, but absent from Portugal, parts of Spain, Britain, Fennoscandia and several Mediterranean islands.

Flight Period: May-July. In hotter regions a second brood may fly in late summer.

Habitat: In Ireland, it is generally found on limestone pavement, coastal dunes and calcareous meadows. Elsewhere in Europe it can be found in dry woodland clearings and scrub.  Generally on calcareous soil due to the soil preferences of its foodplant. Up to 2800m.

Foodplant: Kidney Vetch (Anthyllis vulneraria).

Nectar Sources: Kidney Vetch (Anthyllis vulneraria), Bird’s-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus). Sometimes mudpuddles.

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