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: Flowery meadows, woodland clearings, limestone pavement, coastal dunes; 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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