| Adonis Blue* | |
|---|---|
| Polyommatus bellargus adult | |
| Polyommatus bellargus mounted (females on the right, males on the left) | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Lycaenidae |
| Tribe: | Polyommatini |
| Genus: | Polyommatus |
| Species: | P. bellargus |
| Binomial name | |
| Polyommatus bellargus (Rottemburg, 1775) |
|
The Adonis Blue (Polyommatus bellargus) is a butterfly in the family Lycaenidae.
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The preferred habitat of the adonis blue is calcareous grasslands with hot and dry conditions.
The Adonis Blue has been rapidly declining because its habitat (grasslands) has been disappearing or becoming coarse and shady through a lack of grazing. There are great efforts from conservation organisations and local Biodiversity Action Plans to encourage the populations of chalk-grassland butterflies through managed grazing programs. The recent hot and dry weather associated with climate change seems to be beneficial for this species by making more habitats suitable.
The male upper side is a brilliant sky blue. The female is chocolate brown with a few blue scales near the base, and with orange spots, bordered by blue scales, around the edge of the hindwing. Look for the chequered fringes in both sexes. The underside is brownish grey with black and oranges spots. Winter is passed as a small caterpillar.