ADONIS BLUE |
POLYOMMATUS BELLARGUS |
|
| Fig 1 |
ADULT: Wingspan - 27 - 40mm. The males upperwings are a
unmistakable vivid irredescent blue with distinguishable white edges
that are spotted black. The female is predominately brown with
varying shades of blue. On the hindwing there are several orangey
submarginal crescents with black spots below. The undersides of
both sexes are greyish-brown with a subtle touch of blue towards the
body. There are several white-ringed black spots and orange
submarginal spots on both wings. On the outer part of the hindwing
there is a distinct white wedge. CHRYSALIS: 11mm. Pale brown and found underground, usually in
brood chambers of ants nests. LARVA: 15mm. Quite a dark green with yellow stripes.
At times attended by ants. EGG: Greeny white in colour and found on horseshoe vetch.
Hatching time within 22 days. BEHAVIOUR: A locally common sun worshipping butterfly that doesn't
stray very far from its colony. Males patrol low over the ground
on the look out for suitable partners. Towards late afternoon both
sexes can be found roosting on tall grass stems. HABITAT: Short grassy downs with a liking for south facing slopes. FLIGHT PERIOD: Late May - September in two distinct broods. |