Almeria, Spain, May 2019
High Atlas, Morocco, August 2019
Field notes and information
Split from the common blue P. icarus based on DNA analysis. It replaces that species in S Spain, N Africa and the Canaries. The limit of its range in S Spain and the interaction between these species is not well understood.
Identification & Similar species: Extremely similar to the common blue P. icarus. Possibly indistinguishable. It is said that this species has a tendancy to show black spots on the hinding upperside of the male. I do not know if the two species fly together.
Distribution & Flight: N Africa, the Canaries and S Spain. Also possibly Sardinia and Sicily. It flies in multiple broods throughout the year in warmer places, but not in winter in the north.
Habitat & Behaviour: Flowery meadows in diverse habitats from low levels up to lower alpine heights.
Granada, Spain, May 2019
Anti-Atlas, Morocco, March 2022
Malaga, Spain, May 2019
Anti-Atlas, Morocco, April 2013
Male.
Coimbra, Portugal, October 2019
Almeria, Spain, May 2019
Agadir, Morocco, April 2013
Female.
Malaga, Spain, October 2014
Anti-Atlas, Morocco, March 2022
Granada, Spain, May 2019
Granada, Spain, May 2019
Malaga, Spain, October 2014
High Atlas, Morocco, August 2019
Sicily, Italy, May 2018