Adonis Blue (Polyommatus bellargus)
The Adonis Blue is a small to medium size butterfly best seen in flight during the summer months, i.e., between May and September. They are known for their amazingly bright blue coloration found only in the males of the species.
Scientific Classification
- Family: Lycaenidae
- Genus: Polyommatus
- Scientific Name: Polyommatus bellargus
Description and Identification
Caterpillar
The body of the larva is dark green bearing dark spines along with bands in yellow along its back, as well as in both the sides. It can reach a maximum length of 1.6 cm and overwinters as a caterpillar.
Pupa
The chrysalis is light green in color and turns light brown to beige, as they age.
Adult Butterfly
Sexual Dimorphism: Distinctly present
Color and Appearance: When the wings are open, the males show a bright blue hue bordered by a thin white line whereas the females have a brown coloration that gradually turns blue towards the body, as also, with crescents in orange towards the wing tips. When the wings are closed, both the sexes display a pale brown coloration accompanied by black spots and orange crescents.
Average wingspan: Around 3 cm (1.2 in)
Flight pattern: Fast and erratic; flying low over vegetation
Eggs
Bright white in color with a round shape and a rugged body and a small depression at the center, laid one at a time
Quick Facts |
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| Distribution | Central, Southern, and Western Europe, South of Russia, Iraq, Iran, Caucasus, Transcaucasia, and Turkey |
| Habitat | Prefers flowery hillsides on limestone and chalk downlands, and in warm sheltered spots |
| Host plants | Horseshoe Vetch (Hippocrepis comosa) |
| Adult diet | Flower nectar |
Did You Know?
- The butterfly gets its name ‘Adonis’ from a beautiful young man with the same name, the mortal lover of the goddess Aphrodite in Greek mythology
Scientific Classification
- Family: Lycaenidae
- Genus: Polyommatus
- Scientific Name: Polyommatus bellargus
