The holly blue (Celastrina argiolus) is a butterfly that is indigenous to the Palearctic and is a member of the lycaenidae or blues family. The holly blue has pale ivory-colored spots on its wings that are silver-blue in color.
Amazing Facts
- Holly blue populations change drastically from year to year because an ichneumon wasp parasitizes them and kills the larval stage. In turn, the diminished adult population has an impact on parasite numbers, giving the holly blue population time to recover and the cycle to begin again.
- Finland’s national butterfly is the holly blue.
- These butterflies are hard to catch because, in addition to being quick flyers, they always fly above head height.
Appearance
The holly blue butterfly has a vivid blue color and black wing edges on the females. It is somewhat bigger than the microscopic small blue and much smaller than the extremely rare giant blue. The black markings on its silvery-blue underbelly set it apart from all other blues; other blues have orange spots.
Diet
Caterpillars consume Holly and ivy flower buds. The larvae devour the contents of the bud by boring into its side. Adults consume nectar, tree sap, and liquid from dead animals and rotting fruit.
Holly (for the spring generation) and Ivy (for the summer generation) are the principal food plants for the caterpillars, although a broad variety of other plants are also utilized, such as spindle, bramble, and gorse.
Predators
Birds, spiders, wasps
Habitat
Holly blues can be found in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland in parks, gardens, and wooded areas, although they are uncommon in Scotland. Although annual figures change, they are becoming more frequent.
Keeping as a pet
Due to their alluring beauty, butterflies are among the most popular insects. If their special needs for food and space to fly are addressed, they make wonderful pets (like monarch butterflies).
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