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

Common Blue

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

Common Blue caterpillars secrete a sugary fluid that attracts ants, which then protect them from predators.

Common Blue caterpillars are bright green, helping them blend perfectly with the plant leaves they eat.

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

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Grassland

These wide-open spaces are covered in grasses, often home to grazing animals and incredible predators! Experience the vastness of the plains.

Herbivorous

Meet the peaceful munchers and grazers who find all their nourishment from plants, leaves, and fruits. They transform plant energy into life!

Symbiotic

Discover amazing partnerships in nature! These species live closely together, often helping each other in wonderful ways, showing how cooperation makes life better for all.

Diurnal

Wake up with creatures that are most active during the day! They love the sunshine for finding food, playing, and exploring.

Pollinator

Meet the busy helpers of the plant world! These creatures carry pollen from one flower to another, helping plants make seeds and grow fruits and vegetables.