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Adonis blue

Adonis blue

Polyommatus bellargus

A species of Polyommatus

The males are blue in colour with a white border. Females are brown in colour becoming blue towards the body, with orange crescents towards the edges of the wings. Both males and females have pale brown undersides with black spots and orange crescents . The caterpillar reaches 1.6 cm in length, has a dark green body with dark spines , and yellow bands along the back and sides .

General Info About Adonis blue
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Attributes of Adonis blue
Colors
Brown
Black
White
Blue
Habitat
calcareous grassland
Adult Food Sources
Thistles (cirsium species), knapweeds (centaurea species), ragworts (senecio species), bugle (ajuga species), marjoram (origanum vulgare)
Larva Food Source
Horseshoe vetch (hippocrepis comosa), common bird's-foot trefoil (lotus corniculatus), greater bird's-foot-trefoil (lotus pedunculatus)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Adonis blue is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Adonis 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 Adonis 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 Adonis blue
It is found in the Palearctic ecozone (Western Europe, Central Europe, South Europe, South Russia, Iraq, Iran, Caucasus, Transcaucasus, Turkey). Over the whole of Britain there has been a decline of over 90% in numbers of this species since 1950.
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Distribution Area of Adonis blue
Palearctic realm
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Life Cycle of Adonis blue
Egg After being laid by the adult adonis blue, the eggs are small, rounded, and vary in color. They serve as the protective case for the developing larva.
Larva Upon hatching, the larva of adonis blue appears wormlike, with a segmented body and differs in coloration from adults. Growth involves shedding the exoskeleton multiple times.
Pupal The adonis blue forms a chrysalis during the pupa stage. Here, it undergoes significant transformation, ceasing to eat or move much as it prepares for adulthood.
Adult Emerging from the chrysalis, the adult adonis blue showcases wings with vivid patterns. Now capable of flight and reproduction, it has a drastically different form and function from its larval stage.
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Adult Size of Adonis blue
3 cm
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Predators of Adonis blue Larvae
Ants, wasps, beetles, birds
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Predators of Adult Adonis blue
Birds, spiders, reptiles, small mammals
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Interesting Facts About Adonis blue
Adonis blue has scales on its wings that reflect sunlight, creating a striking iridescent blue that varies with the viewing angle.
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Scientific Classification of Adonis blue
Tips for Finding Adonis blue
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Youth Habitat of Adonis blue
Grasslands and Prairies
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Adult Habitat of Adonis blue
Grasslands and Prairies, Meadows, Pastures
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How Can You Attract Adonis blue
Since adonis blue is likely a butterfly, there is no specific trap or bait used, but rather, finding them may involve locating their nectar sources or host plants for caterpillars.
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Habitat Preferences of Adonis blue Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of adonis blue are typically laid on or near the host plants, which are various species of Fabaceae, particularly those with a good supply of flowers. Caterpillars are found mainly eating leaves or flowers and can often be spotted on the upper side of the foliage. Pupae may attach to plant stems or hide in leaf litter close to the ground. Adults prefer open, sunny areas with abundant flowering plants where they can feed on nectar. Searching for these stages involves checking the specific host plants for eggs and caterpillars, examining the surrounding foliage and lower plant areas for pupae, and observing open, flower-rich areas for adults.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Adonis blue
The best time to find adonis blue would typically be during daylight hours, especially late morning or early afternoon when temperatures are warmer and butterflies are most active.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Adonis blue
Ideal weather conditions for finding adonis blue would be on sunny and warm days with little to no wind, as these are favorable conditions for butterfly activity.
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How and Where Can You Find Adonis blue at Different Life Stages
Egg Adonis blue eggs are usually laid on the host plants. Look for tiny round or oval eggs, often on the underside of leaves of the plant species that the larvae feed on.
Larva Adonis blue caterpillars can be found on or near their host plants. Search for them by inspecting the leaves, stems, and buds for signs of feeding or by looking for frass (caterpillar droppings).
Pupal Adonis blue chrysalises are often camouflaged and can be found attached to plant stems, leaves, or concealed in leaf litter. Search the area around known host plants for these stationary life stages.
Adult Adonis blue adults can be found flying in places where host or nectar-producing plants are abundant. Look for these butterflies in flower-filled fields, meadows, or edges of forests. Using binoculars can help to spot them from a distance without disturbing them.
Are Adonis blue harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Adonis 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
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Adonis blue participates in pollination by visiting various flowers primarily for feeding on nectar. They are attracted to the vibrancy of floral colors. During their search for nectar, adonis blue inadvertently transfers pollen from one bloom to another, thus fulfilling its role as a pollinator.
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