Common Blue
ExploreInsects
Common Blue
Polyommatus icarus
The Common Blue is a lovely little butterfly with bright blue wings. It enjoys sunny days and loves to sip nectar from flowers!
Habitat: Meadows and grasslands
Appearance
The Common Blue is a small butterfly; males have iridescent violet-blue wings with a slender black border. Females are typically brown with orange spots and a varying dusting of blue scales near the body, making them visually distinct from males.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyLycaenidaeGenusPolyommatus
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
15
Interesting facts
Adult butterflies taste plants with their feet to find the best nectar!
Common Blue caterpillars can mimic seeds, which helps them hide from hungry predators!
Some female Common Blues are brown, not blue, surprising many people!
Their wings are covered in tiny dust-like scales, giving them their vibrant colors!
Special abilities
Ability
Ant Bodyguards
Common Blue caterpillars secrete a sugary fluid that attracts ants, which then protect them from predators.
Ability
Perfect Camouflage
Common Blue caterpillars are bright green, helping them blend perfectly with the plant leaves they eat.
Ability
Swift Navigator
Common Blues can fly quickly and erratically, which helps them escape predators and find mates.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 29-36 mm
- Size
- 17-20 mm
- Lifespan
- 10-21 days
- Flight Speed
- 10 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Caterpillars munch leaves, while adult butterflies enjoy sipping sweet flower nectar.
Age differences: Larvae (caterpillars) feed on plant leaves, while adults feed exclusively on flower nectar.
Primary Foods
- Bird's-foot Trefoil
- Clover
- Alfalfa
- Dandelion nectar
- Thistle nectar
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
Eats
Bird's-foot Trefoil
Lotus corniculatus
Its leaves are a primary food for caterpillars.
Symbiotic with
Red Wood Ant
Formica rufa
Ants protect caterpillars in exchange for honeydew.
Pollinates
Dandelion
Taraxacum officinale
Adults visit its flowers for nectar, aiding pollination.
Eaten by
Great Tit
Parus major
Adult butterflies can become a food source for birds.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Symbiotic
Describes a relationship between two different species where they live in close association, often benefiting one or both.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Icarus BlueIcarus Butterfly
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Common Blue?
Compare the wing outline, spots, bands, eyespots and wing edges. The underside can look completely different from the top. Check for tails, the antennae and where the markings sit instead of relying on color alone. Butterfly Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.
What is Common Blue's wingspan?
29-36 mm
How big is Common Blue?
17-20 mm
How long does Common Blue live?
10-21 days
How fast can Common Blue fly?
10 km/h
What does Common Blue eat?
Caterpillars munch leaves, while adult butterflies enjoy sipping sweet flower nectar.
Where is Common Blue usually found?
Meadows and grasslands
How does Common Blue hunt?
Foraging
Snap Map
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