Polyommatus fabressei
Obethur's Anomalous Blue
Montes Universales, Spain, July 2011
Montes Universales, Spain, July 2011
Field notes and information
The taxonomic status of the anomalous blues in Spain is complex. This is how I understand the situation.
There are only 3 species in Spain. All taxa are variable and individuals of each one may or may not have a white line on the underside hindwing. In the north P. ripartii flies as subspecies P. ripartii ripartii and locally in northern Catalunya as P. ripartii agenjoi (formerly treated as a full species, the Agenjo's anomalous blue).
In central Spain, such as the Montes Universales, A fabressei.
In southeast Spain P. violetae flies.
Identification & Similar species: The three species described above are all extremely similar - location is the main aid to identification.
Distribution & Flight: Central Spain. Montes Universales (common, even abundant everywhere!) to Soria. Mid July/ early August.
Habitat & Behaviour: Dry grassy places with flowers.
Montes Universales, Spain, July 2011
Montes Universales, Spain, July 2011
Montes Universales, Spain, July 2011
Montes Universales, Spain, July 2011
Montes Universales, Spain, July 2011
The varying strength of the white streak is evident here.
Montes Universales, Spain, July 2011
Soria, Spain, July 2011
Montes Universales, Spain, July 2011
Montes Universales, Spain, August 2003
Note long but faint and ill-defined white streak along vein 4 of hindwing.
Montes Universales, Spain, August 2003
A female - no furry scent scales on upperside forewing.
Montes Universales, Spain, August 2003
Female egg laying on the larval food plant sainfoin Onobrychis sp.
Montes Universales, Spain, August 2003