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Large blue

Large blue

Phengaris arion

A species of Phengaris

Large blue caterpillars grow to about half an inch (13 millimetres) in length, and spend up to 9 months before they undergo metamorphosis to a chrysalis to become a butterfly. Large blue butterflies are one of the largest in the family Lycaenidae, known as the gossamer-winged butterfly, with a wingspan of up to 2 inches (50.8 millimetres), and live only for a few weeks. The wings of the large blue butterfly are speckled with black dots.

General Info About Large blue
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Attributes of Large blue
Colors
Black
Gray
White
Blue
Habitat
The habitat of the large blue butterfly is largely influenced by location of its food sources. The species requires a combination of abundant amounts of its larval food plant, Thymus drucei and the presence of Myrmica sabuleti ants in order to survive. It has also been found that an underlying key factor for the survival of the large blue is site heterogeneity. The butterfly is most abundant in pastures and abandoned areas of diverse vegetation and shrubbery. This preference can be explained by examining the result of a uniform landscape. A constant landscape synchronizes many biological activities including flowering of host plants, adult emergence dates, or larval pressures on the ant colonies. If important biological functions take place at the same times, the population becomes much more susceptible to random unfortunate events such as environmental disasters. Thus traditional farming acts to desynchronize the biological system, and allows for re-colonization of patches that are temporarily untouched. The presence of differing sites and varied ecological structures provides differing microclimates that can make a huge impact on the survival of the large blue butterfly.
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Large 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
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Large blue
In the late 1900s, Phengaris populations began decreasing drastically throughout Europe with the large blue butterfly being particularly affected. By the 1950s, only an estimated 100,000 adults remained in Britain, and by 1978, 48% of the UK's 91 known large blue populations had been lost. Initially experts were completely baffled by the disappearance of large blues as the sites did not appear to have changed. Leading hypotheses targeted collectors, insecticides, and air pollution as factors that led to the butterfly extinction. A large number of projects were conducted to combat these factors, but all were completely unsuccessful. The species became extinct in the Netherlands in 1964, in the UK in 1979 and also in Belgium in 1996. Severe decreases in population have also occurred in Denmark, Germany, France, and Estonia. Because of this decline they are being protected. The succession of extinctions and decreases in population has been characterized as a result of unsuccessful conservation efforts that stemmed from a lack of understanding of the behaviour of the butterfly. Currently the large blue butterfly is classified as critically endangered in Britain as well as being endangered in many areas of Europe. It is a priority species of under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Recent findings have also shown that there is a positive correlation between large blue butterfly conservation success and that of other endangered species. One specific example is the relationship between Myrmica ants, the large blue butterfly, violet seeds, and the violet-feeding butterfly (Boloria euphrosyne). The ants will bring the violet seeds into the nest. The seeds will often germinate in the nest, and their potential for germination increases as the nest becomes deserted. Since large blue butterfly predation of ant larvae can lead to desertion of the nest and B. euphrosyne tend to prefer violets growing on deserted ant nests, the fitness of B. euphrosyne appears to be indirectly affected by the presence of the large blue.
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Distribution Area of Large blue
The large blue butterfly is found from coast to coast of the Palearctic realm, but is most concentrated in the areas from France to China.
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Predators of Adult Large blue
Aves (birds), araneae (spiders), mantodea (mantises)
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Interesting Facts About Large blue
Caterpillars of large blue exhibit a unique form of mimicry, secreting chemicals that deceive ants into nurturing them as if they were their own larvae.
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Scientific Classification of Large blue
Tips for Finding Large blue
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Youth Habitat of Large blue
Grasslands and Prairies, On and Within Other Organisms (Parasitic and Symbiotic Relationships)
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Adult Habitat of Large blue
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies
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When is the Best Time to Observe Large blue
The best time to find adult large blue is during daylight hours when they are active and feeding, particularly in the late morning and early afternoon. For finding eggs and larvae, any time may be suitable, though still within the period of their specific breeding season.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Large blue
Warm and sunny weather conditions are generally the most suitable to find adult large blue, as they are cold-blooded and rely on external warmth to be active. Overcast but warm days may also be suitable for finding them since they may be less active and easier to approach.
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How and Where Can You Find Large blue at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of large blue are typically laid singularly on the host plants. Locating these specific plants and carefully examining their leaves, particularly the undersides, can lead to discovering the eggs.
Larva Large blue larvae are herbivores and will be found on or near their specific host plants. The larvae may camouflage with the plant, so meticulous observation is necessary, examining the leaves for signs of feeding or direct visual identification.
Pupal The pupae of large blue are generally camouflaged and attached to plant stems or leaves. Spotting them requires a keen eye, looking for irregularities on plant surfaces within the habitat where the host plants grow.
Adult Adult large blue can be found in habitats rich in nectar sources. Searching for adult large blue involves visiting flowers, especially on warm and sunny days. Observing quietly at these feeding sites can yield sightings of the adult creature.
Are Large blue harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Large 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
Thyme, Marjoram, Wild Oregano
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Shape
Large blue is a pollinator often seen fluttering around thyme, marjoram, and wild oregano. They are attracted to flowers by their vivid colors and distinctive shapes. While feeding on the pollen, large blue inadvertently collects and transfers pollen from flower to flower, contributing to plant reproduction.
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