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Geneva, Switzerland, June 2022
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Geneva, Switzerland, June 2019
Field notes and information
I was lucky in 2005 when a friend took me to a definite site for this species where in his professional capacity he studied the genetalia of all Plebejus found in the canton of Geneva, Switzerland. He found only this species. So I can be 100% sure of the identity of the butterflies I find in the canton of Geneva.
Identification & Similar species: Very similar to the silver studded and idas blues, P. argus & P. idas. Please refer to notes on the silver studded blue, P. argus, page.
Distribution & Flight: From central France and eastwards through central and southeast Europe. Very local in parts of Scandinavia. It flies in 2 broods, around May and August, although in Switzerland the second brood is rare.
Habitat & Behaviour: The butterfly is closely associated with its distinctive foodplant, crown vetch, Coronilla varia. The plant is is frequently seen at the side of roads, motorways and railways in large banks of dark green foliage with the distinctive pink flower head. It is very much commoner than the butterfly though. The butterfly is very selective and prefers abandoned fields where there is evidence of scrub regeneration. As such, the butterfly is unlikely to frequent distrubed roadside locations, rather older habitats that are allowed to mature.
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Geneva, Switzerland, June 2022
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Geneva, Switzerland, May 2011
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Geneva, Switzerland, May 2011
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Geneva, Switzerland, June 2022
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Geneve, Switzerland, June 2010
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Geneva, Switzerland, June 2019
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Geneve, Switzerland, June 2010
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Geneva, Switzerland, May 2011
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Geneve, Switzerland, June 2009
Larval food plant, crown vetch Coronilla varia.
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Geneve, Switzerland, June 2010
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Genève, Switzerland, June 2013
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SW Serbia, June 2012
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Geneve, Switzerland, June 2010
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Geneva, Switzerland, May 2011