A butterfly belonging to the Lycaenidae family is called the Adonis blue (Lysandra bellargus, also known as Polyommatus bellargus).
Amazing Facts
- The name “Adonis” for the butterfly comes from the Greek mythology character of the same name who was the mortal lover of the goddess Aphrodite.
- The Adonis blue is the most uncommon blue butterfly in the United Kingdom.
- Since it doesn’t go far, if its habitat is damaged, colonies may become isolated and vulnerable to extinction.
Appearance
The male has bright sky blue upper side wings with a delicate black border and white margin. Brownish gray with crescent-shaped black and orange dots cover the bottom. A 3 centimeter wingspan is typical (1.2 in). The 1.6 centimeter (0.63 in) long caterpillar has yellow bands running down the back and sides and a dark green body with dark spines.
Diet
They eat plants for food. Horseshoe Vetch is the sole food source (Hippocrepis comosa). Horseshoe vetch is a food source for both caterpillars and adults.
Predators
Predators include birds, spiders, and other insects.
They have special connections with ants, who defend cocoons from predators in exchange for the sweet fluids they release when they’re caterpillars.
Habitat
Southern England is the location. In protected quarries, dry chalk or limestone grassland with plentiful food plants in short turf but slightly taller vegetation may be utilized. The majority of colonies are found on warm, south-facing hillsides, where protected hollows are the preferred nesting locations (especially old chalk pits and quarries).
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