Cluj, Romania, June 2006

Female

Cluj, Romania, May 2009

Male.

Field notes and information

Very local in eastern Europe, at least in my limited experiences with this species. I'm told however that it can be frequently encountered in some areas (e.g. Slovakia). Due to extensive individual variation there appears to be quite a lot of overlap between this species and the Provençal short tailed blue, alcetas, which makes identification difficult where the ranges overlap.

Identification & Similar species: On the upperside, males have a broad black border, clear cell spots on fore and hindwings and are rather dull blue. The other similar species have generally narrow black borders, no cell spots and are a bright blue.

Distribution & Flight: Throughout eastern Europe from the Czech Republic eastwards and southwards to northern Greece. Flies in 2 or 3 broods in the spring and summer.

Habitat & Behaviour: Grassy flowery places, in my experience in woodland clearings.

Cluj, Romania, June 2006

Cluj, Romania, May 2009

Cluj, Romania, June 2006

Right at the end of the flight period. The black cell spot on the forewing is (just) visible.

Cluj, Romania, May 2009