Common Blue Butterfly (or a similar 'Blue' butterfly)
Scientific Name: Polyommatus icarus (Common Blue Butterfly is a strong possibility, but other blue butterflies exist)
Order & Family: Order: Lepidoptera, Family: Lycaenidae (Gossamer-winged Butterflies)
Size: Wingspan typically ranges from 28 to 36 mm (approximately 1.1 to 1.4 inches).
Natural Habitat
Widely distributed in grasslands, meadows, open woodlands, scrublands, gardens, and along roadsides, particularly in areas with their host plants.
Diet & Feeding
Adults primarily feed on nectar from a variety of flowering plants. Larvae (caterpillars) feed on specific host plants, typically legumes like clovers, trefoils, and vetches.
Behavior Patterns
Adults are diurnal, flying during the day. Males often perch on vegetation to look for females. Females lay eggs individually on host plants. Larvae (caterpillars) are typically slow-moving and feed on leaves or flowers. They often have a symbiotic relationship with ants, secreting a sugary substance that attracts ants, which in turn protect the caterpillars from predators. Pupation occurs on or near the host plant. They undergo complete metamorphosis.
Risks & Benefits
Benefits: They are important pollinators, contributing to the reproduction of many flowering plants. Their caterpillars can be food sources for other insects and birds. Risks: Generally no direct risks to humans. Large infestations of caterpillars could potentially cause minor damage to host plants, but this is rare and not economically significant for these particular species.
Identified on: 6/30/2025