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Holly Blue

Celastrina argiolus

The Holly Blue is a small, beautiful butterfly with bright blue wings. It loves to flutter around gardens and woodlands, bringing joy to everyone who sees it.

Habitat: Woodlands

Appearance

The Holly Blue is a small, vibrant butterfly. Males boast brilliant sky-blue upper wings, while females have similar blue wings with distinct broad black borders on their forewings. Both sexes feature pale silvery-blue or white underwings, usually unmarked or with very tiny, sparse black dots, which helps distinguish them.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyLycaenidaeGenusCelastrina
Holly Blue
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Holly Blue

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Holly Blues overwinter as pupae, hidden away until spring arrives!

Its caterpillars start by eating flower buds, then switch to fruits as they grow!

The first generation's caterpillars often feast on holly, while the second prefers ivy!

These butterflies can have two or even three generations born in a single year!

Special abilities

Ability

Disguise Underwings

Holly Blue has pale, unmarked underwings that help them blend against the sky, making them harder for predators to spot.

Ability

Bud Biter

Holly Blue can lay eggs directly inside flower buds, providing immediate shelter and food for their caterpillars when they hatch.

Ability

Ant Alliance

Holly Blue caterpillars have special glands that secrete sugary fluid, attracting ants that protect them from predators.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
26-34 mm
Size
10-15 mm
Lifespan
7-21 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Caterpillars munch on plant buds and fruits, while adult butterflies sip on flower nectar.

Age differences: Caterpillars eat flower buds and fruits; adults feed on nectar from flowers.

Primary Foods

  • Flower buds
  • Young fruits
  • Nectar
  • Honeydew
  • Holly flowers
  • Ivy flowers

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Holly Butterfly

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Butterflies are safe to watch, but it's best to look without touching them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Holly Blue's wingspan?

26-34 mm

How big is Holly Blue?

10-15 mm

How long does Holly Blue live?

7-21 days

What does Holly Blue eat?

Caterpillars munch on plant buds and fruits, while adult butterflies sip on flower nectar.

Where is Holly Blue usually found?

Woodlands

How does Holly Blue hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Holly Blue have?

6

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