Canary Blue

cyclyrius webbianus

The Canary Blue (Cyclyrius webbianus) is a charming and distinctive butterfly endemic to the Canary Islands, known for the striking azure iridescence of its males. This small lycaenid butterfly is a familiar sight across various habitats on the archipelago, fluttering among flowering plants and rocky outcrops. It embodies the unique biodiversity of the Canary Islands, being one of several species found nowhere else on Earth. Its life cycle is intricately linked with specific Lotus species, offering a fascinating glimpse into the co-evolutionary relationships between insects and their host plants. Observing the Canary Blue provides a delightful connection to the island's natural heritage, showcasing a delicate beauty adapted to its volcanic home.

Habitat: This species is commonly found in a variety of open, sunny habitats across the Canary Islands, including rocky slopes, ravines, scrubland, and the edges of laurel forests, particularly where its host plants thrive.

Appearance

The male Canary Blue is easily identified by its brilliant, iridescent blue upperwings, often framed by a narrow black margin. Females are typically duller, exhibiting a brown coloration on their upperwings, sometimes with a dusting of blue scales near the wing bases. The undersides of both sexes are a more subdued greyish-brown, marked with small, inconspicuous black spots and often a faint, wavy white line near the wing margins. It is a relatively small butterfly, with a wingspan ranging from approximately 2.5 to 3.5 centimeters.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyLycaenidaeGenusCyclyrius

Canary Blue

Interesting facts

Despite its name "Canary Blue," it is not found on all Canary Islands, with its distribution being somewhat patchy across the archipelago.

Like many Lycaenidae butterflies, the larvae of the Canary Blue may have symbiotic relationships with ants, which protect them from predators in exchange for sugary secretions.

The adult butterflies are often seen "basking" in the sun with their wings open, a behavior that helps them regulate their body temperature for flight.

The vivid blue color of the male's wings is not due to pigment but rather to structural coloration, where microscopic structures on the scales scatter light to create the iridescent effect.

Special abilities

The larvae of the Canary Blue are highly specialized feeders, relying exclusively on certain Lotus species found in the Canary Islands. This specificity ensures their nutritional needs are met but also links their survival directly to the health and presence of these plants.

The brilliant blue of the male's upperwings might seem conspicuous, but when at rest with wings folded, the duller, mottled grey-brown undersides provide excellent camouflage against rocks and dry vegetation. This allows them to blend into their environment, evading predators.

The Canary Blue is multivoltine, meaning it produces multiple generations throughout the year, especially in favorable conditions. This adaptation allows it to maximize reproductive output and survive across different seasons, taking advantage of prolonged warm periods.

Measurements & details

Length: 1-2 cm
Wingspan: 2-3 cm
Weight: 0.0001-0.0003 kg
Lifespan: 0-1 years
Top Speed: 10 km/h
Clutch Size: 20-100
Incubation: 3-7 days

Diet & Feeding

Adult Canary Blues primarily feed on nectar from various flowering plants, providing them with energy. Their larvae, however, are herbivorous, exclusively consuming the leaves and young shoots of specific Lotus species, which are critical for their development.

Age differences: Yes, larvae feed on specific host plant leaves, while adults primarily feed on flower nectar.

Primary Foods

Nectar from various flowers
Lotus campylocladus leaves
Lotus sessilifolius leaves
Other endemic Lotus species

Foraging Method

Foraging (adults), Grazing (larvae)

Ecological connections

host plant

Canary Island Bird's-foot Trefoil

Lotus campylocladus

Larval host plant

host plant

Canary Island Bird's-foot Trefoil

Lotus sessilifolius

Larval host plant

eaten by

Canary Island Lizards

Gallotia spp.

Common predator

eaten by

European Bee-eater

Merops apiaster

Generalist predator

Traits

No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Collections for this object will appear here as more themes are added.

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Canary Blue?

The easiest way to identify Canary Blue is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Canary Blue?

1-2 cm

What is Canary Blue's wingspan?

2-3 cm

How much does Canary Blue weigh?

0.0001-0.0003 kg

How long does Canary Blue live?

0-1 years

How fast can Canary Blue move?

10 km/h

What does Canary Blue eat?

Where is Canary Blue usually found?

This species is commonly found in a variety of open, sunny habitats across the Canary Islands, including rocky slopes, ravines, scrubland, and the edges of laurel forests, particularly where its host plants thrive.