Meleager's Blue (Polyommatus daphnis)
Species

Taken in the Vercors Natural Park, France, on July 20th 2018.
(1/640th sec at f14. © David Hastings)

Description

Family: Polyommatinae

Wing span: 36 - 38mm

The male has shiny blue upper surfaces with black borders. The female is blue with broad brown borders, and has a strongly scalloped hindwing. Underside marginal markings are grey.

This species is widespread and locally common in SE Europe. It is sporadic and rare in S Europe.

It can be found in dry and warm rocky grasslands, typically near woodland on calcareous soils.

There is one generation per year from mid-June to August.

Larvae feed exclusively on Crown Vetch (Coronilla varia).

Sightings

20-Jul-2018 : Vercors Natural Park, France

23-Jul-2015 : Papaz Tchair, Bulgaria
21-Jul-2015 : nr Petrovo, Bulgaria
21-Jul-2015 : Rupite Hot Springs, Bulgaria