# 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! - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Snaps:** 15 - **Habitat:** Meadows and grasslands - **Also known as:** Icarus Blue, Icarus Butterfly ![Common Blue](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426177/objects/5474.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Lycaenidae - **Genus:** Polyommatus ## 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 - **Ant Bodyguards:** Common Blue caterpillars secrete a sugary fluid that attracts ants, which then protect them from predators. - **Perfect Camouflage:** Common Blue caterpillars are bright green, helping them blend perfectly with the plant leaves they eat. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/birds-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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/dandelion) (*Taraxacum officinale*) — Adults visit its flowers for nectar, aiding pollination. - **Eaten by:** [Great Tit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-tit) (*Parus major*) — Adult butterflies can become a food source for birds. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Symbiotic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/symbiotic): Describes a relationship between two different species where they live in close association, often benefiting one or both. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects-and-bugs) ## 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 ## Where to spot - [Parc Jean-Drapeau](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/parc-jean-drapeau) — Quebec, CA · Park - [Parc de l'île Saint-Quentin](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/parc-de-l-le-saint-quentin) — Quebec, CA · Park - [Parc linéaire de la rivière Saint-Charles](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/parc-lin-aire-de-la-rivi-re-saint-charles) — Québec, CA · Park - [Underpass Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/underpass-park) — Ontario, CA · Park - [Volkspark Marienberg (Nürnberg)](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/volkspark-marienberg-nurnberg) — Bayern, DE · Park - [Naturpark Unteres Saaletal](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/naturpark-unteres-saaletal) — Sachsen-Anhalt, DE · Park [View all places to see Common Blue](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/common-blue) ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Common Blue: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-blue)