Lysandra hispana ¦ Provence Chalk Hill Blue ¦ euroButterflies

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Lysandra hispana

Provence Chalk Hill Blue

euroButterflies

by Matt Rowlings

Digne les Bains, France, May 2022

Digne les Bains, France, May 2022

Field notes and information

Local in Mediterranean regions of south Spain, north Italy and south France. It is extremely similar to the chalk hill blue, coridon, from which it may be indistinguishable when they fly together in the summer and autumn.

Identification & Similar species: Extremely similar to the chalk hill blue, L. coridon. The great variability between individuals of both species make differentiation extremely difficult in the summer when both species fly together. However, the current species is the only one to fly in spring which is when positive identifcation is possible. It is said to be greyer and duller, although this is at best subjective.

Distribution & Flight: S Pyrenees, east coast of Spain, south coast of France to Lyon and northwest Italy. Double brooded in April/ May and July/ September.

Habitat & Behaviour: Dry grassland on chalk or limestone. Occasionally also on non-calcarious soils. Larvae feed on horseshoe vetch (Hippocrepis comosa) and are attended by ants. Adults nectar frequently.