Small Blue
ExploreInsects
Small Blue
Cupido minimus
The Small Blue is a tiny butterfly with beautiful blue wings. It loves to flutter around flowers and is often seen in sunny places during spring and summer.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Small Blue is the UK's smallest butterfly, with a wingspan of only 16-27mm. Its upperwings are often plain dusky brown with a subtle blue sheen, especially in males. The underside is distinctive light grey, dotted with small black spots, lacking any orange markings.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyLycaenidaeGenusCupido
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adult Small Blues barely eat, living off food stored as caterpillars.
It's the smallest butterfly species found in the United Kingdom!
Males and females of this tiny butterfly look almost identical.
They only fly for a few short weeks each year.
Special abilities
Ability
Ant Friendship
Small Blue larvae secrete sweet honeydew that attracts ants, which then protect them from predators.
Ability
Masters of Disguise
Small Blue caterpillars are tiny, slug-shaped, and camouflaged, helping them blend perfectly with their host plant.
Ability
Specific Tastes
Small Blue butterflies lay eggs only on Kidney Vetch, ensuring caterpillars have the perfect food source.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 16-27 mm
- Size
- 8-10 mm
- Lifespan
- 5-10 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
As caterpillars, they munch on flowers and seeds; adults sip nectar for quick energy!
Age differences: Larvae eat flowers and seeds of specific host plants. Adults primarily sip nectar from various flowers.
Primary Foods
- Anthyllis vulneraria (Kidney Vetch) flowers
- Anthyllis vulneraria (Kidney Vetch) seeds
- nectar from various small wildflowers
Ecological connections
eaten by
Kidney Vetch
Anthyllis vulneraria
Larvae feed exclusively on its flowers and seeds
symbiotic with
Common Black Ant
Lasius niger
Ants protect larvae in exchange for honeydew
eaten by
Eurasian Blue Tit
Cyanistes caeruleus
Common bird that preys on butterflies
pollinates
Wild Thyme
Thymus serpyllum
Adults visit small flowers for nectar, aiding pollination
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
Always watch butterflies from a distance and don't try to catch them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Small Blue's wingspan?
16-27 mm
How big is Small Blue?
8-10 mm
How long does Small Blue live?
5-10 days
What does Small Blue eat?
As caterpillars, they munch on flowers and seeds; adults sip nectar for quick energy!
Where is Small Blue usually found?
Grasslands
How many legs does Small Blue have?
6
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