{"id":349,"date":"2025-06-06T17:54:02","date_gmt":"2025-06-06T17:54:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/macrostock.eu\/?p=349"},"modified":"2025-06-06T17:54:02","modified_gmt":"2025-06-06T17:54:02","slug":"common-blue-polyommatus-icarus-5","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/macrostock.karits.eu\/index.php\/2025\/06\/06\/common-blue-polyommatus-icarus-5\/","title":{"rendered":"Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The Common Blue<\/strong> (Polyommatus icarus<\/em>) is a small, widespread butterfly belonging to the family Lycaenidae. It is one of the most common and easily recognizable blue butterflies in Europe. Here\u2019s an overview of the Common Blue:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Appearance:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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  • Size<\/strong>: The wingspan ranges from 28 to 36 millimeters.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Coloration<\/strong>:<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Males<\/strong>: The upper sides of the wings are a bright blue with a thin black border and a white fringe.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Females<\/strong>: The upper sides are brown with a variable amount of blue near the body and a series of orange spots along the edge of the wings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Undersides<\/strong>: Both sexes have greyish-brown undersides with numerous small black spots circled in white and a series of orange spots along the margins of the hindwings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Habitat:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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    • Preferred Habitats<\/strong>: The Common Blue thrives in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, meadows, gardens, roadsides, and coastal dunes. It prefers areas with an abundance of leguminous plants, which serve as host plants for its larvae.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Geographic Range<\/strong>: The species is found throughout Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia. It is widespread and often abundant in suitable habitats.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      Behavior:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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      • Feeding<\/strong>: Adults feed on nectar from various flowering plants, including clover, buttercups, and knapweed. The larvae feed on the leaves and flowers of leguminous plants, particularly common bird\u2019s-foot-trefoil (Lotus corniculatus<\/em>) and other trefoils.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Activity<\/strong>: They are diurnal and most active during warm, sunny days. Males can often be seen patrolling low over the ground in search of females.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Flight<\/strong>: The flight period extends from April to October, depending on the climate and location. There are usually two or three generations per year.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Life Cycle:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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        • Eggs<\/strong>: Females lay eggs singly on the leaves and flower buds of host plants.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Larvae<\/strong>: The caterpillars are green with a dark dorsal stripe and are well-camouflaged against the host plant. They are often tended by ants, which provide protection in exchange for sweet secretions from the larvae.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Pupae<\/strong>: Pupation occurs on the ground or among the vegetation. The pupae are brown and blend in with their surroundings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Adults<\/strong>: Adults emerge after a few weeks of pupation and are ready to mate and continue the life cycle.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          Ecological Role:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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          • Pollination<\/strong>: As nectar feeders, adult Common Blues contribute to the pollination of a variety of wildflowers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Ant Mutualism<\/strong>: The larvae\u2019s relationship with ants is a notable aspect of their ecology, benefiting both the butterflies and the ants.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Food Web<\/strong>: Both larvae and adults are important prey for various predators, including birds, spiders, and other insects.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            Conservation Status:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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            • Population<\/strong>: The Common Blue is currently not considered threatened and is one of the most widespread and abundant butterflies in its range.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Threats<\/strong>: Habitat loss, agricultural intensification, and the use of pesticides can locally impact populations. Conservation efforts focus on preserving and restoring suitable habitats.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              Interesting Facts:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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              • Color Variations<\/strong>: The extent of blue on the upper sides of the female\u2019s wings can vary significantly between individuals and populations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Ant Associations<\/strong>: The mutualistic relationship between the larvae and ants is fascinating and enhances the larvae\u2019s survival.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Adaptability<\/strong>: The Common Blue\u2019s ability to thrive in a wide range of habitats contributes to its widespread distribution and success.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                Identification Tips:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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                • Blue Males<\/strong>: Look for the bright blue upper wings of males, especially in sunny, grassy areas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Underside Patterns<\/strong>: The greyish-brown undersides with black and orange spots are distinctive and help in identifying both sexes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Habitat Preference<\/strong>: Observing them in a variety of habitats, including grasslands and gardens, can aid in accurate identification.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                  In summary, the Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus<\/em>) is a charming and widespread butterfly with distinctive blue and brown coloration, interesting ecological interactions with ants, and a presence in diverse habitats. Its adaptability and abundance make it a familiar and beloved species among butterfly enthusiasts and conservationists alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n