Valais, Switzerland, April 2021
Valais, Switzerland, May 2018
Field notes and information
A spectacular and distinctive species of hot dry rocky banks and stoney places.
Identification & Similar species: The very strongly chequered fringes, bold underside spots and dark slaty grey blue upperside make this species unmistakable.
Distribution & Flight: Northeast Spain, parts of south France, Italy and eastwards. Extremely local in central Scandinavia. It is generally a spring butterfly of April and May but a second generation is reported in Switzerland. In Valais I've only ever found one or two butterflies July/ August which would represent a very small, partial second brood.
Habitat & Behaviour: Very hot dry exposed rocky slopes, stone walls or cliffs where the Sedum food plants grow.
Variation: Highly variable. The blue on the upperside of the males varies from bright and extensive to almost absent depending on location but also individual variation. The intensity of the underside markings is also variable.
Valais, Switzerland, June 2019
Valais, Switzerland, May 2018
Valais, Switzerland, May 2015
Valais, Switzerland, May 2018
Valais, Switzerland, June 2019
Valais, Switzerland, May 2022
Valais, Switzerland, May 2014
Valais, Switzerland, May 2015
Alpes Maritimes, France, May 2012
Example of a form with extensive blue on the upperside.
Valais, Switzerland, May 2022
Valais, Switzerland, May 2014
Catalonia, Spain, May 2007