Adonis Blue (Polyommatus bellargus)
Adonis Blue (Polyommatus bellargus)

Adonis Blue (Polyommatus bellargus)
Family: Lycaenidae
Subfamily: Polyommatinae
Tribe: Polyommatini
Genus: Polyommatus
Subgenus: Lysandra
Species: bellargus

Key ID Features:
Male upperside iridescent blue-underside similar to Common Blue but with chequered fringes.
Female dusky brown with blue scales near body and outer edge of hindwings.

Seen in UK: May-June and August-September

The Adonis Blue is a species of chalk downland, where it may be found in warm, sheltered spots. The male Adonis Blue has brilliantly-coloured blue wings that gives this butterfly its name, and can be found flying low over vegetation, seeking out the less-conspicuous females that are a rich chocolate brown in colour. Like its close relative, the Chalkhill Blue, the distribution of this species follows the distribution of Horseshoe Vetch which, in turn, follows the distribution of chalk and limestone grassland. However, this species has a more restricted distribution than the Chalkhill Blue, indicating more precise habitat requirements.

Text (c) UK Butterflies, used with permission
For more information click here

Photographer: Tim Tapley

Adonis Blue (Polyommatus bellargus)

Adonis Blue (Polyommatus bellargus)
Family: Lycaenidae
Subfamily: Polyommatinae
Tribe: Polyommatini
Genus: Polyommatus
Subgenus: Lysandra
Species: bellargus

Key ID Features:
Male upperside iridescent blue-underside similar to Common Blue but with chequered fringes.
Female dusky brown with blue scales near body and outer edge of hindwings.

Seen in UK: May-June and August-September

The Adonis Blue is a species of chalk downland, where it may be found in warm, sheltered spots. The male Adonis Blue has brilliantly-coloured blue wings that gives this butterfly its name, and can be found flying low over vegetation, seeking out the less-conspicuous females that are a rich chocolate brown in colour. Like its close relative, the Chalkhill Blue, the distribution of this species follows the distribution of Horseshoe Vetch which, in turn, follows the distribution of chalk and limestone grassland. However, this species has a more restricted distribution than the Chalkhill Blue, indicating more precise habitat requirements.

Text (c) UK Butterflies, used with permission
For more information click here

Photographer: Tim Tapley