Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Beneficial Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects
Holly blue

Holly blue

Celastrina argiolus

A species of Azures, Also known as Echo blue, Faulbaumbluling

The holly blue is a popular visitor to gardens in the southern portion of the British Isles where the butterfly gathers in large number. Unlike some species, females lay two broods in the spring and summer. Spring female holly blue butterflies are identifiable by the bands on their wings that are lighter than those from the summer brood.

General Info About Holly blue
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of Holly blue
Colors
Black
White
Habitat
forest; bog; park; garden
Adult Food Sources
Nectar from thistle (cirsium), nectar from buttercup (ranunculus), nectar from lilac (syringa), nectar from ivy (hedera), nectar from dandelion (taraxacum)
Larva Food Source
Flowers and buds of holly (ilex), dogwood (cornus), bramble (rubus fruticosus), gorse (ulex), meadowsweet (filipendula ulmaria)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Holly blue is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Holly blue is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Holly blue feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Species Status of Holly blue
It is native to Eurasia and North America. it is found in North America, Central America, Eurasia.
Rectangle
Distribution Area of Holly blue
Palearctic, North America
Rectangle
Appearance of Holly blue
The holly blue has pale silver-blue wings spotted with pale ivory dots. Male above shining violet blue, only the apical portion of the costal margin being minutely edged with white. The female has both wings broadly bordered with dark, the margin of the hindwing bearing vestiges of ocelli. Egg is very flat, whitish. Larva is green or brown, marked with yellowish white; head is brown. Ochreous have brown spots and markings.
ImageImageImageImageImage

How to Identify Holly blue?

Rectangle
Life Cycle of Holly blue
Egg The embryonic holly blue begins as an egg, usually laid on plants. The eggs are tiny and may be colored or camouflaged to blend with the foliage, providing protection from predators.
Larva Upon hatching, the larva or caterpillar emerges, with a primary focus on feeding and growth. It is elongated with distinctive colors or patterns for defense. Molting frequently, it increases in size rapidly.
Pupal The caterpillar weaves a cocoon or chrysalis and enters the pupal stage, metamorphosing internally. During this stage, the holly blue is typically immobile and undergoes significant tissue reorganization.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult holly blue’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
Rectangle
Adult Size of Holly blue
Wingspan 2 - 3.5 cm
Rectangle
Predators of Holly blue Larvae
Ants, wasps, spiders, birds
Rectangle
Predators of Adult Holly blue
Birds, small mammals, spiders, insectivorous insects
Rectangle
Interesting Facts About Holly blue
Holly blue have a remarkable relationship with ants in their larval stage; they secrete a sweet substance that lures ants into protecting them from predators.
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Holly blue
Tips for Finding Holly blue
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Youth Habitat of Holly blue
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
Rectangle
Adult Habitat of Holly blue
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Freshwater Habitats, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Savannas, Mangroves and Coastal Wetlands
Rectangle
How Can You Attract Holly blue
Since holly blue is a butterfly species, adults are attracted to nectar from flowers. Hence, setting up a garden with a variety of nectar-rich flowers or using artificial nectar feeders can draw them in.
Rectangle
Habitat Preferences of Holly blue Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of holly blue are usually laid on flower buds or beneath leaves of the host plant. Searching for these might require inspecting the food plants, including Holly, Ivy, and Dogwood. Upon hatching, caterpillars can be found on the undersides of leaves, camouflaged and feeding. Pupae typically affix themselves to leaves or stems, blending into the vegetation, which necessitates a careful visual search among the host plants. Adults, which are butterflies, frequent areas rich in nectar, such as meadows, gardens, and woodland edges, feeding on flowering plants. A search for the butterflies would be most successful in these nectar-abundant habitats on sunny days.
Rectangle
When is the Best Time to Observe Holly blue
The best time to find holly blue would be during warm sunny days, preferably late morning to mid-afternoon when butterflies are most active. However, the exact time may vary depending on the region and seasonal climate.
Rectangle
What is the Best Weather to Observe Holly blue
Holly blue tend to be most active in sunny conditions with little wind. They are less likely to be seen in rainy or very windy weather as they typically seek shelter during such conditions.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find Holly blue at Different Life Stages
Egg Holly blue eggs are often laid on the underside of host plant leaves. To find them, examine these plants, specifically looking for small, pale eggs attached to the leaves.
Larva Holly blue larvae, or caterpillars, can be found on or near their host plants. Look for them by inspecting the leaves for chewed edges or the actual larva feeding.
Pupal Holly blue chrysalises may be attached to plants or other surfaces near the larvae's feeding area. They can be found by searching the foliage and stems of host plants or the nearby structures where they may attach themselves to pupate.
Adult Holly blue adults can often be seen flying from flower to flower in search of nectar. A good way to find them is to visit areas with abundant flowering plants during their active hours on sunny days.
Are Holly blue harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free
Beneficial Effects of Holly blue
Discover the hidden benefits of insects
Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
Download the App for Free
Pollinator
Pollinator
Prefer Plant Type
Yellow Flowers, Fruit Trees
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar, Accidental Contamination While Feeding On Nectar
Holly blue is drawn to vibrant colors and sweet scents, commonly found on yellow flowers and lush fruit trees. They consume pollen and inadvertently transfer it while sipping nectar, fulfilling a key role in the ecosystem's cycle of pollination.
Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!
Download the App for Free
More Insects that are Similar to Holly blue
Boisduval's blue
Boisduval's blue

Larvae of boisduval's blue are extremely small and rarely seen. The males' top wing grades from ice blue in the center to deep sky blue, exhibiting a dazzling iridescent fluctuation in range under direct, full sunlight. Black margins on the upper wing sport long, white, hair-like scales. A constellation of jet-black dots frames the extremities of the ventral surface, its pattern adroitly complementing the wing shape and throwing it into spectacular relief against the shimmering silvery pearlescent background. A fascinatingly muted hint of dark ice blue bleeds faintly up from the body, permeating the veins throughout for the palest, most delicate emphasis. The body shape, eyes, antennae, and appendages give it a uniquely exquisite poise. The males' bodies are dark-blue or brown. The females' upper wings are dark brown but otherwise mirror the males'.

Read More
Arrow
Lupine Blue
Lupine Blue

Icaricia lupini, the lupine blue, is a butterfly of the family Lycaenidae. It is found from south-western Canada, south through much of mountainous and intermountain western United States and high plains to northern Mexico. The wingspan is 22–29 mm. Adults are on wing from June to August in one generation in the Sierra Nevada of eastern California. Elsewhere, there are several generations from March to July. The larvae feed on Eriogonum umbellatum and Eriogonum fasciculatum. Adults feed on flower nectar. The hairs of the caterpillars can cause skin irritation (urticaria).

Read More
Arrow
Shasta blue
Shasta blue

Icaricia shasta, the Shasta blue, is a butterfly of the family Lycaenidae. It is found from the northwestern United States to southern Saskatchewan and Alberta. The wingspan is 20–22 mm. Adults are on wing from June to August. The larvae feed on Lupinus lyalli, Astragalus spatulatus, Astragalus calycosus, and Trifolium dasphyllum.

Read More
Arrow
Greenish Blue
Greenish Blue

Icaricia saepiolus, the greenish blue, is a butterfly of the family Lycaenidae. It is found from the northwestern United States to southern Saskatchewan and Alberta. The wingspan is 21–28 mm. Adults are on wing from June to August. The larvae feed on Trifolium monathum, Trifolium longipes, and Trifolium wormskioldii.

Read More
Arrow
Icaricia icarioides missionensis
Icaricia icarioides missionensis

The endangered Mission blue has a wingspan around 21–33 millimetres (0.83–1.3 in). Larvae are extremely small and rarely seen. The males' top wing grades from ice blue in the center to deep sky blue (misregistered as turquoise/cyan to violet by most photographic equipment, the wing color carries no hint of green or purple, strictly capturing an enthralling spectrum of purest, clearest, richest, brightest blue) exhibiting a dazzling iridescent fluctuation in range under direct, full sunlight. Black margins on the upper wing sport "long, white, hair-like scales". A constellation of jet-black dots (misregistered as dull gray by most photographic equipment) frames the extremities of the ventral surface, its pattern adroitly complimenting the wing shape thrown into spectacular relief against the shimmering silvery pearlescent background, with a fascinatingly muted hint of dark ice blue bleeding faintly up from the body and permeating the veins throughout for the palest, most delicate of emphases. Body shape, eyes, antennae, and appendages possess it of a uniquely exquisite poise. The males' bodies are dark-blue/brown. Females' upper wings are dark brown, but otherwise mirror males'. The larvae only feed on the leaves of the three host lupine plants (Lupinus albifrons, Lupinus formosus, and Lupinus variicolor) native to their habitat. The plants are necessary for survival for the Mission blue. Thus, the butterfly's fate is closely tied to that of the three species of lupines as the plants provide food and shelter for the butterfly in its larval stage. The adult Mission blue drinks the nectar of a variety of flowers, many in the sunflower family, using its long proboscis which extends from the underside of its head.

Read More
Arrow
Brown argus
Brown argus

The Little Sunflower Bläuling (Aricia agestis) is a butterfly (butterfly) from the family Bläulinge (Lycaenidae).

Read More
Arrow
Eumedonia eumedon
Eumedonia eumedon

Endemic to specific ecosystems, eumedonia eumedon exhibits a remarkable adaptation in its larvae, which engage in a mutualistic association with ant species. These larvae secret a sweet substance that attracts ants, which in return provide protection against predators. The adult form is known for its striking wing patterns that serve as a visual deterrent to potential threats and plays a role in intraspecific communication during the breeding season.

Read More
Arrow
Southern Brown Argus
Southern Brown Argus

In specimens [ of astrarche ] from the Canaries the red macular band of the upperside is occasionally quite uncommonly broad and of even width, so that it forms a regular band, only transected by the black veins; this is ab. cramera Eschsch. (= canariensis Black.) (80 a). I also caught very extreme specimens of this form on the slopes of the Aures Mts. in Algeria, although only singly; on the other hand I met on the Canaries with specimens of astrarche which certainly did not belong to cramera, but rather to calida.

Read More
Arrow
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow