Anti-Atlas, Morocco, March 2022
Malaga, Spain, May 2019
Field notes and information
This is primarily a north African species although its range does jump across the narrow straights of the Mediterranean to inhabit, locally, southern Spain and Portugal. It is the sole representative of the small blues Cupido found in north Africa.
In north Africa we were very surprised to find it at 2100m at the very end of June in great condition. We found it nearby at Ifrane in early May so either there is a second brood or a very long emergence period.
Identification & Similar species: Its range does not overlap with similar species.
Distribution & Flight: North Africa and south Spain. It seems to be single brooded flying from February to June depending on location. In south Spain it flies April/ May. At high altitudes in Morocco as late as late June.
Habitat & Behaviour: Hot dry slopes with flowers sometimes amongst scrub or trees.
Middle Atlas, Morocco, June 2005
Anti-Atlas, Morocco, March 2022
Andalucia, Spain, May 2008
Anti-Atlas, Morocco, March 2022
Malaga, Spain, May 2019
Malaga, Spain, May 2019
Middle Atlas, Morocco, June 2005
Andalucia, Spain, May 2008
Anti-Atlas, Morocco, April 2013
Anti-Atlas, Morocco, March 2022
Andalucia, Spain, May 2008
Andalucia, Spain, May 2008
Middle Atlas, Morocco, June 2005
Anti-Atlas, Morocco, April 2013
Anti-Atlas, Morocco, April 2013
The snows of the High Atlas are visible 100km to the north.
Malaga, Spain, May 2019
Malaga, Spain, May 2019
Andalucia, Spain, May 2008
Andalucia, Spain, May 2008
Andalucia, Spain, May 2008