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Plebejus
ExploreInsects
Plebejus
plebejus
The Plebejus butterfly is a colorful insect that flits around in sunny meadows. Kids will love watching it dance from flower to flower!
Habitat: Sunny meadows, gardens, and open fields.
Appearance
The Plebejus is a small butterfly, often displaying shimmering blue wings in males, while females can be blue or brown. Their undersides frequently feature delicate patterns of black spots and vibrant orange or red bands along the margins, distinguishing them from plainer butterflies.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyLycaenidaeGenusPlebejus
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Even as tiny caterpillars, Plebejus have a special gland that produces sweet honeydew for ants!
Plebejus butterflies have taste receptors on their feet, tasting plants just by landing!
Some Plebejus caterpillars can vibrate their bodies, possibly to communicate with ants!
The brilliant blue color on male Plebejus wings isn't pigment; it's from light scattering!
Special abilities
Ability
Ant Friendship
Plebejus can 'talk' to ants, giving them sugary treats in exchange for protection from predators, an amazing partnership!
Ability
Solar Powered
Plebejus has dark body scales that absorb sunlight, helping them quickly warm up for flight on cool mornings.
Ability
Clever Camouflage
Plebejus larvae are often green or brown with cryptic patterns, helping them blend perfectly with host plants.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 20-40 mm
- Size
- 10-20 mm
- Lifespan
- 10-25 days
- Flight Speed
- 15 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adult Plebejus butterflies sip sweet nectar from flowers to get energy, while caterpillars munch on plants.
Age differences: Adults drink nectar, but caterpillars eat leaves of host plants.
Primary Foods
- Nectar
- Clovers
- Vetch
- Milk-vetch
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
depends on
Common Bird's-foot Trefoil
Lotus corniculatus
Caterpillars eat its leaves for food and shelter.
symbiotic with
Black Garden Ant
Lasius niger
Ants protect caterpillars in exchange for sugary honeydew.
eaten by
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Great Tit
Parus major
Adult butterflies and caterpillars can become a meal for birds.
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.
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
Lesser Blue
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Plebejus's wingspan?
20-40 mm
How big is Plebejus?
10-20 mm
How long does Plebejus live?
10-25 days
How fast can Plebejus fly?
15 km/h
What does Plebejus eat?
Adult Plebejus butterflies sip sweet nectar from flowers to get energy, while caterpillars munch on plants.
Where is Plebejus usually found?
Sunny meadows, gardens, and open fields.
How does Plebejus hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Plebejus have?
6
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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