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Northern Blue
ExploreInsects
Northern Blue
Plebejus idas
The Northern Blue is a beautiful butterfly with bright blue wings. It loves to flutter around flowers and is often seen in sunny places during the warm months.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Northern Blue is a small, iridescent butterfly with males showcasing brilliant sky-blue upperwings bordered by thin black. Females are more variable, often brownish with some blue and sometimes orange spots. Its underside is grey-brown with distinct white-ringed black spots.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyLycaenidaeGenusLycaeides
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Look closely: the underside of their wings has white-ringed black dots!
Male Northern Blues flash bright, iridescent blue wings in the sun!
Their tiny caterpillars offer sweet 'honeydew' as a treat for protective ants!
They are often spotted fluttering near their favorite pea-family plants in meadows.
Special abilities
Ability
Ant Guardian
Northern Blue larvae can produce sweet honeydew to attract ants that protect them from predators.
Ability
Underwing Camo
This butterfly has patterned undersides that help it blend perfectly into its natural habitat when resting.
Ability
Nectar Navigator
Northern Blues possess excellent sight and smell to locate flower patches for essential energy.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 25-35 mm
- Size
- 10-15 mm
- Lifespan
- 14-28 days
- Flight Speed
- 8 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Caterpillars munch on plants from the pea family, while adults sip nectar from flowers.
Age differences: Caterpillars eat plant leaves; adults drink flower nectar for energy.
Primary Foods
- Flower nectar
- Bird's-foot Trefoil leaves
- Clover leaves
- Milk-vetch leaves
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
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Bird's-foot Trefoil
Lotus corniculatus
Larvae feed on its leaves for growth.
symbiotic with
Red Wood Ant
Formica rufa
Ants protect larvae in exchange for sweet honeydew.
pollinates
White Clover
Trifolium repens
Adults drink nectar, helping to spread pollen between flowers.
eaten by
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Great Tit
Parus major
A common bird that preys on butterflies and their larvae.
Traits
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
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.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
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
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Be gentle and quiet around butterflies so you don't scare them away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Northern Blue's wingspan?
25-35 mm
How big is Northern Blue?
10-15 mm
How long does Northern Blue live?
14-28 days
How fast can Northern Blue fly?
8 km/h
What does Northern Blue eat?
Caterpillars munch on plants from the pea family, while adults sip nectar from flowers.
Where is Northern Blue usually found?
Grasslands
How does Northern Blue hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Northern Blue have?
6
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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