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Silver studded blue

Silver studded blue

Plebejus argus

A species of Plebejus

This eye-catching butterfly has bright blue wings rimmed in black with white edges and silver spots on its hindwings, lending it the name of the silver-studded blue.

General Info About Silver studded blue
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Attributes of Silver studded blue
Colors
Black
Yellow
White
Blue
Habitat
dry pine heath; rocky outcrop; sandy land; bog
Adult Food Sources
Thistle (cirsium species), knapweeds (centaurea species), ragwort (senecio species), bramble (rubus fruticosus), heather (calluna vulgaris)
Larva Food Source
Common bird's-foot trefoil (lotus corniculatus), greater bird's-foot trefoil (lotus pedunculatus), upright hedge-parsley (torilis japonica), dyers greenweed (genista tinctoria), gorse (ulex europaeus)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Silver studded blue is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Silver studded 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 Silver studded 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 Silver studded blue
It is found across the Palearctic. In the United Kingdom, the butterfly experienced a severe decline in population during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. It is generally considered to be endangered and extinct in the Northern United Kingdom and are primarily found in the Southern and Western portions of the United Kingdom.
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Distribution Area of Silver studded blue
Europe, the Palearctic
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Appearance of Silver studded blue
AdultMale P. argus have royal blue wings with a black border, white, wispy fringe, and metallic silver spots on the hindwings as well as spurs on their front legs. Females of this species are generally brown and more subdued in color, but also have the metallic spots on the hindwings. The undersides of the male and female butterflies are very similar. They are taupe in color, with rings of black spots along the edge of the wing.
Larvae The caterpillar of P. argus is green with a dark stripe along the length of its body and can reach 1.3 centimeters in length.
Sexual dimorphism P. argus exhibit sexual dimorphism, as evidenced by the color of their wings. This eventually acts as an important visual cue when searching for suitable mates. Experiments have shown that species that have overlapping habitat distribution and are of similar color (according to the human eye) have distinct absorbance values within the UV range. This shows that the UV range colors are important for butterflies when recognizing members of its own species.
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How to Identify Silver studded blue?

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Life Cycle of Silver studded blue
Egg The egg phase begins when the adult silver studded blue lays eggs on a host plant. The eggs are small, often spherical, and colored to blend with the foliage for protection. This stage lasts until the larvae emerge.
Larva As larvae, silver studded blue go through several instars, growing larger with each molt. They vary in coloration, which may change between instars, and their main function is to consume food to store energy for the upcoming pupal stage.
Pupal During the pupal stage, silver studded blue undergoes remarkable transformation inside a chrysalis, which can be attached to foliage or hidden underground. The pupa appears motionless, but significant internal changes are ongoing to form adult features.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult silver studded blue’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. Their body is now patterned and brightly colored, signaling maturity, and they focus on reproduction and nectar feeding.
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Adult Size of Silver studded blue
3 - 3.5 cm
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Predators of Silver studded blue Larvae
Formicidae (ants), araneae (spiders), aves (birds), ichneumonidae (parasitic wasps)
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Predators of Adult Silver studded blue
Araneae (spiders), aves (birds), mantispidae (mantidflies), vespidae (wasps)
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Interesting Facts About Silver studded blue
Silver studded blue can create a special chemical that tricks ants into feeding and protecting its larvae as if they were their own.
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Scientific Classification of Silver studded blue
Tips for Finding Silver studded blue
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Youth Habitat of Silver studded blue
Grasslands and Prairies, Forests and Woodlands, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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Adult Habitat of Silver studded blue
Grasslands and Prairies, Forests and Woodlands, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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How Can You Attract Silver studded blue
For silver studded blue, the use of trap food is not commonly practiced. Instead, identifying the host plants that caterpillars feed on would serve as an indirect way to locate them.
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Habitat Preferences of Silver studded blue Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of silver studded blue are typically laid on or near the host plant, often a legume, in sunny areas. Caterpillars reside on the host plant, camouflaged and feeding on the leaves. Pupae may be found in concealed locations close to the ground, possibly in leaf litter or near the base of the plant. Adults usually inhabit flowery grasslands or heathlands, where they nectar and mate. To observe the different stages, one would search for eggs on suitable host plants under sunlight, look for caterpillars on the leaves, seek pupae hidden near the soil, and find adults in open, flower-rich habitats.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Silver studded blue
Silver studded blue are most active and easiest to spot during the daytime when temperatures are warmer, which is typically later in the morning to mid-afternoon. This is when adult silver studded blue are most likely to be seen feeding on nectar.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Silver studded blue
Silver studded blue are fair-weather creatures and are more readily observed when weather conditions are sunny and dry. Wet or windy weather can reduce their activity and make them harder to find.
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How and Where Can You Find Silver studded blue at Different Life Stages
Egg Silver studded blue eggs are usually laid on the host plants. These can be detected by carefully examining the leaves, especially the undersides, for small, often spherical or oval eggs.
Larva Silver studded blue caterpillars can be found by identifying and inspecting their specific host plants. They blend in with foliage, so searching requires a keen eye.
Pupal To find silver studded blue chrysalises, look on or near the host plants. Check under leaves, on stems, or even in leaf litter for these camouflaged pupae.
Adult Silver studded blue adults are best spotted when foraging for nectar on flowers. Their activity peaks on warm, sunny days, and they are often seen in butterfly-friendly habitats.
Are Silver studded blue harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Silver studded blue
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Hurt Plant

Larvae of silver studded blue feed on the leaves of various plant hosts. This can lead to defoliation ranging from partial to complete, affecting the plant's ability to photosynthesize and potentially stunting growth or causing death.

More Effects of Silver studded blue

Beneficial Effects of Silver studded 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
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Shape
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Silver studded blue, attracted by the vivid colors and specific shapes of flowers, visits various blooms to consume pollen. It inadvertently transfers pollen between plants as it feeds, aiding in the cross-pollination process crucial for plant reproduction.
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