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Holly blue

Celastrina argiolus lucia

A species of Azures

The holly blue (Celastrina argiolus) is a butterfly that belongs to the lycaenids or blues family and is native to Eurasia and North America. The holly blue has pale silver-blue wings spotted with pale ivory dots. Seitz describes it "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. Underside silver-white, in the disc a row of black dots, some of which are elongate, and before the margin blackish shadowy dots. Egg very flat, whitish. Larva green or brown, marked with yellowish white, bearing catenulate stripes on the back, on segment 7 a gland to attract ants; head brown. On Ivy, Ilex, Evonymus, Rhamnus, Robinia, Genista, Spartium, Astragalus, Rubus, Erica, Pyrus and many other plants; in Europe visited usually by ants of the genus Lasius; in June and the autumn. Pupa mostly fastened to the underside of a leaf, ochreous with brown spots and markings. The butterflies in the spring and again in July, occasionally a third time at the end of August and in September, everywhere common, particularly at the flowers of ivy and brambles." In Europe, the first generation feeds mainly on the holly species Ilex aquifolium but the second generation uses a range of food plants. The holly blue is the national butterfly of Finland.

General Info About Holly blue
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Attributes of Holly blue
Colors
Black
Gray
White
Purple
Habitat
stream valley; powerline right-of-way; garden
Adult Food Sources
Aster (aster spp.), dandelion (taraxacum officinale), butterfly bush (buddleja spp.), milkweed (asclepias spp.), thistles (cirsium spp.)
Larva Food Source
Holly (ilex spp.), dogwood (cornus spp.), meadowsweet (spiraea spp.), laurel (kalmia spp.), buckthorn (rhamnus spp.)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Holly blue
Uncommon in High Park, common and widespread in Ontario
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Predators of Holly blue Larvae
Ants, wasps, spiders, birds
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Predators of Adult Holly blue
Birds, spiders, wasps, mantises, robber flies
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Interesting Facts About Holly blue
Holly blue can create antifreeze proteins to survive cold temperatures, enabling it to withstand freezing winter conditions in larval form.
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Scientific Classification of Holly blue
Tips for Finding Holly blue
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Youth Habitat of Holly blue
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Shrublands
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Habitat Preferences of Holly blue Through Different Life Stages
Eggs of holly blue are typically found on the underside of flower buds or leaves of host plants. The caterpillars reside on flowers and young leaves where they feed and grow before pupating. To find these caterpillars, look among host plants, specifically in the heart of buds and tender shoots. Pupae are more hidden, often located under leaves or in crevices near the host plants. Adult holly blue, though quite mobile, are frequent visitors of flower-laden fields and gardens where nectar is abundant, a detail integral to their observed location during this life stage.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Holly blue
The best time to find adult holly blue is during daylight hours on sunny days when they actively feed and mate. For larval stages, timing may vary but searching after hatching seasons or during known feeding times can yield better results.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Holly blue
Warm and sunny weather is ideal for finding adult holly blue as it is conducive to their flight and feeding patterns. Alternatively, overcast but warm days can also provide opportunities, as holly blue may be less active and easier to observe.
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How and Where Can You Find Holly blue at Different Life Stages
Egg Egg clusters of holly blue can be found on the underside of leaves of the host plant. It is crucial to engage in gentle inspection to avoid harming the eggs.
Larva Holly blue larvae can often be identified by their distinctive feeding patterns on leaves or by the presence of frass (larval droppings) on or below the host plant. Search for them on or near their food sources, typically during the morning or late afternoon when they are most active.
Pupal Holly blue pupae can be located by searching the plants they last fed on or surrounding areas. They may attach themselves to stems, leaves, or even manmade structures for metamorphosis.
Adult To find adult holly blue, look for them in areas with abundant nectar sources during warm, sunny days. Meadows, gardens, and edges of woods are common habitats. Observing and following their flight patterns can also lead to discovering their resting or feeding spots.
Are Holly blue harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Holly blue
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Prefer Plant Type
Asteraceae, Rubiaceae
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Holly blue are attracted to various flowers, with a particular fondness for Asteraceae and Rubiaceae. They locate flowers by their color and fragrance. They engage in pollination primarily to consume pollen. Their interactions with these plants aid in the cross-pollination process.
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