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| Adonis Blue | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| Polyommatus bellargus (Rottemburg, 1775) |
The Adonis Blue (Polyommatus bellargus) is a butterfly in the family Lycaenidae.
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Habitat
The preferred habitat of the adonis blue is calcareous grasslands with hot and dry conditions.
Species decline
The Adonis Blue has been rapidly declining. This has been due to their habitat (grasslands) disappearing or becoming coarse and shady through a lack of grazing. There are great efforts from conservation organisations and local Biodiversity Action Plans to encourage the populations of chalk-grassland butterflies through managed grazing programs. The recent hot and dry weather associated with climate change seems to be beneficial for this species by making more habitats suitable.
Other
The male upper side is a brilliant sky blue.The female is chocolate brown with a few blue scales near the base, and with orange spots, bordered by blue scales, around the edge of the hind wing. Look for the chequered fringes in both sexes. The under side is brownish grey with black and oranges spots. Winter is passed as a small caterpillar.
- Size: 17mm
- Habitat: Flowery hillsides on chalk and limestone.
- Foodplant: Horseshoe vetch.
- Range: S&C Europe, as far as S England.
- Flight: May-September, in two broods.
- Similar: Female Chalkhill blue is usually.
External links
- Adonis Blue at Butterfly-Conservation.org
- BBC Article on reappearance of Adonis Blue in Cotswolds, Gloucestershire
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