Polyommatus violetae
Andalucian Anomalous Blue
Prov. Malaga, Spain, July 2013
Male clearly showing scent scales.
Prov. Malaga, Spain, July 2013
Female, laking scent scales.
Field notes and information
One of a number of species of Polyommatus found in Spain and confirmed by DNA analysis.
Identification & Similar species: From S Spain, may overlap with the Oberthur's anomalous blue A. fabressei. While not 100% certain for a given individual, when considered for a colony, the presence of a white strip on the underside hindwing would indicate the current species.
Distribution & Flight: Confined so the Sierras of central southern Spain where it is very local but common where it occurs. Flight time is from the end of June and July, possibly into August at high altitudes.
Habitat & Behaviour: Flowery grassy places in open areas or in woodland at mid altitudes eg 1200 to 1800m. Butterflies appear not to stray far from their breeding grounds, although this may not hold true for males in search of water and salts.
Prov. Malaga, Spain, July 2013
Female on the left, male on the right.
Prov. Malaga, Spain, July 2013
Prov. Malaga, Spain, July 2013
Male with white stripe.
Prov. Malaga, Spain, July 2013
Female, clearly brown-orange ground colour.
Prov. Malaga, Spain, July 2013
Male. Paler with smaller spots than female. This one lacks the white stripe.
Prov. Malaga, Spain, July 2013
Prov. Malaga, Spain, July 2013
Prov. Malaga, Spain, July 2013
Prov. Malaga, Spain, July 2013
Prov. Malaga, Spain, July 2013
Prov. Malaga, Spain, July 2013
Amazing strength.
Prov. Malaga, Spain, July 2013
The feather is entirely lifted off the ground.