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.

Back to Gallery