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Mazarine blue

Mazarine blue

Cyaniris semiargus

A species of Cyaniris

The mazarine blue is a small, delicate creature famously recognized for its vibrant iridescence. The upper side of its wings exhibits a striking azure hue, bordered by white fringes, which serves as a form of camouflage against predators. These winged insects undergo a complete metamorphosis, transforming from a caterpillar that feeds primarily on leguminous plants to an adult that partakes in a diet of nectar and pollen.

General Info About Mazarine blue
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Attributes of Mazarine blue
Colors
Brown
Black
White
Blue
Habitat
meadow; pasture; grassland; damp area; roadside
Adult Food Sources
Centaurea spp. (knapweeds), cirsium spp. (thistles), aster spp. (asters), taraxacum spp. (dandelions), knautia spp. (field scabious)
Larva Food Source
Trifolium spp. (clovers), medicago spp. (medics), lotus spp. (trefoils), onobrychis spp. (sainfoins), melilotus spp. (sweet clovers)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Mazarine blue is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Mazarine 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 Mazarine 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
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Species Status of Mazarine blue
The global distribution area of the species is situated both within and outside Europe.
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Distribution Area of Mazarine blue
Continental Europe, Arctic Circle, Morocco, the Middle East, Palearctic to Siberia, the Russian Far East
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Life Cycle of Mazarine blue
Egg The egg stage begins when a female mazarine blue lays eggs, each being small and inconspicuous. These eggs are often laid on or near future larval food sources and tend to be oval or round in shape, sometimes with ribbed surfaces.
Larva Upon hatching from the egg, the larva of mazarine blue—commonly called a caterpillar—has a worm-like appearance, with a segmented body. It is primarily focused on feeding and growth, molting multiple times as it increases in size.
Pupal Once the caterpillar reaches its final instar, it forms a pupa. During this stage, the mazarine blue undergoes significant transformation where body structures of the adult form within a protective casing called a chrysalis.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult mazarine 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.
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Adult Size of Mazarine blue
3 - 4 cm
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Predators of Mazarine blue Larvae
Frogs, toads, birds, ants, wasps, spiders
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Predators of Adult Mazarine blue
Birds, spiders, mantis, dragonflies, lizards, rodents, ants
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Interesting Facts About Mazarine blue
Mazarine blue leverages ant colonies for survival during its larval stage, tricking ants into providing protection and care through chemical mimicry and acoustic signals.
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Scientific Classification of Mazarine blue
Tips for Finding Mazarine blue
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Youth Habitat of Mazarine blue
Grasslands and Prairies, Meadows, Forests and Woodlands
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Adult Habitat of Mazarine blue
Grasslands and Prairies, Meadows, Forest Edges, Open Woodlands
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How Can You Attract Mazarine blue
Adult mazarine blue are attracted to various flowering plants where they feed on nectar. Offering a selection of nectar-rich flowers can serve as a lure.
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Habitat Preferences of Mazarine blue Through Different Life Stages
To find the eggs of mazarine blue, search the undersides of host plant leaves, typically clovers and medicks. Caterpillars are often found on the same plants, hidden within flowers or on the underside of leaves during the day. As mazarine blue caterpillars metamorphose into pupae, they remain on the host plant or drop to the ground to pupate in leaf litter. Adult mazarine blue are commonly seen fluttering in meadows, grassy places, and open woodlands with plenty of nectar sources since these are their preferred feeding and mating sites.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Mazarine blue
The best time to find adult mazarine blue is on sunny days when they are most active, especially during late spring to summer, which coincides with their flight period.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Mazarine blue
Adult mazarine blue are more likely to be seen in warm, dry weather conditions as they require the sun's warmth to become active. However, during their early stages, moist conditions are important for the growth of host plants that the larvae feed on.
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How and Where Can You Find Mazarine blue at Different Life Stages
Egg Mazarine blue larvae can be located by inspecting the host plants they consume, often found on or near the leaves they eat. Look for signs of feeding such as holes in leaves or frass (larvae droppings).
Pupal Mazarine blue adults are frequently observed in meadows, grasslands, and other open habitats with abundant wildflowers. Find them by slowly walking through these areas and watching for their flight around or resting on flowers, particularly on sunny days.
Are Mazarine blue harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Mazarine blue
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Prefer Plant Type
Asteraceae
Attract Plant Feature
Color
Pollination Behavior Reason
Collect Pollen To Feed Offspring
Mazarine blue flutters from bloom to bloom, its vibrant wings seeking the vivid colors of Asteraceae. While primarily gathering pollen for its offspring, mazarine blue's legs become dusted, making it an accidental but vital link in the cycle of pollination.
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