Valais, Switzerland, July 2015
Hautes Alpes, France, July 2013
Field notes and information
An attractive butterfly of with a limited distribution in the Pyrenees, Alps and parts of Scandinavia.
Identification & Similar species: The upperside has very broad borders. The male is a pale shining blue. The underside markings are fine and it has a distinct white stripe - the latter features separate it from similar species with which it may fly such as the glandon blue, Agriades glandon.
Distribution & Flight: Mid to high altitudes of the Pyrenees and the Alps. Also from lower levels in parts of central Sweden and southern Finland. Single brooded in July and August.
Habitat & Behaviour: I've found almost all my examples of this species flying close to mountain streams. They often take salts from mud. I've seen very few females which could mean I've never found the actual breeding ground.
Valais, Switzerland, July 2020
Valais, Switzerland, July 2020
Valais, Switzerland, August 2017
Alpes Maritimes, Italy, August 2004
Hautes Alpes, France, July 2013
Valais, Switzerland, August 2017
Valais, Switzerland, August 2017
Hautes Alpes, France, July 2013
Hautes Alpes, France, July 2013
Valais, Switzerland, July 2009
Valais, Switzerland, August 2017
Valais, Switzerland, August 2017