Silver-studded Blue
ExploreInsects
Silver-studded Blue
Plebejus argus
The Silver-studded Blue is a small butterfly with beautiful blue wings and tiny silver dots. They love to flit around flowers and are often found in sunny spots.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Silver-studded Blue is a small butterfly with males displaying vibrant sky-blue wings, while females are brown with orange spots and a subtle blue wash. Both sexes feature a distinctive row of metallic 'silver studs' along the edges of their hindwings, making them unique.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyLycaenidaeGenusPlebejus
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adult butterflies have taste buds on their feet to find the sweetest flower nectar.
Males display bright blue wings when flying, but often hide them when resting to camouflage.
Some female butterflies lay eggs that perfectly mimic plant seeds to hide them from hungry birds.
Their caterpillars actually 'talk' to ants using tiny vibrations and chemical signals!
Special abilities
Ability
Ant Bodyguards
Silver-studded Blue larvae can secrete a sweet liquid that attracts and rewards ants, protecting them from predators.
Ability
Solar Powered Flight
Silver-studded Blue butterflies have specialized dark scales that help them absorb sunlight efficiently, warming them for flight.
Ability
Scented Signals
Silver-studded Blue males have tiny scales that release a special perfume to attract females from a distance.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 25-35 mm
- Size
- 10-14 mm
- Lifespan
- 14-21 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adults sip flower nectar; caterpillars munch on plants.
Age differences: Larvae feed on leaves and flowers of host plants, while adults primarily consume nectar from various wildflowers.
Primary Foods
- Lotus corniculatus
- Calluna vulgaris
- Erica cinerea
- Thymus polytrichus
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Common Bird's-foot Trefoil
Lotus corniculatus
A primary larval food plant.
eaten by
Common Heather
Calluna vulgaris
Another significant host plant for caterpillars.
symbiotic with
Black Garden Ant
Lasius niger
Ants protect larvae for their sugary secretions.
eaten by
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Great Tit
Parus major
A common bird predator of adult butterflies.
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.
Miniature
Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
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 watch butterflies from a distance so you don't scare them away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Silver-studded Blue's wingspan?
25-35 mm
How big is Silver-studded Blue?
10-14 mm
How long does Silver-studded Blue live?
14-21 days
What does Silver-studded Blue eat?
Adults sip flower nectar; caterpillars munch on plants.
Where is Silver-studded Blue usually found?
Grasslands
How does Silver-studded Blue hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Silver-studded Blue have?
6
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