N Sweden, June 2010
SW Serbia, June 2012
Field notes and information
A large blue with a distinctive bright gleaming upperside blue.
Identification & Similar species: Bright upperside blue in the male, with diffuse black border on the forewing. The orange on the underside hindwing is usually limited, but can be more extensive in some individuals. The undersides are a pale dove grey.
Distribution & Flight: It flies across central and southern Europe and northwards into the arctic circle in Sweden.
Habitat & Behaviour: Flowery grassy places, often in forested areas. The males like taking salt and both sexes are often found feeding at alpine flowers.
SW Serbia, June 2012
Peloppensos, Greece, June 2013
Stockholm, Sweden, July 2022
Stockholm, Sweden, July 2022
Pelopennesos, Greece, June 2013
Valais, Switzerland, June 2019
Valais, Switzerland, June 2015
N Sweden, July 2022
N Sweden, June 2010
The blue female form isias, often found in Scandinavia.
High Atlas, Morocco, July 2005
Ssp. abdelazis.
Peloppensos, Greece, June 2013
With Plebejus pylaon sephirus and P. argus.
Valais, Switzerland, June 2012
N Sweden, June 2010
Alpes Maritimes, France, May 2012
Valais, Switzerland, June 2011