cormacmacmahon1980
Common Blue Butterfly © Cormac Mac Mahon
The common blue butterfly (Polyommatus icarus) is a small butterfly with some fascinating characteristics. The males are brightly colored with blue wings, while the females are typically brown with a dusting of blue and orange spots. They have a wingspan of around 29-36 mm. A key aspect of their life cycle involves a close relationship with ants, a phenomenon called myrmecophily. Common blue larvae produce a sweet secretion that attracts the ants, which in turn protect the larvae from predators and parasites.
Common Blue Butterfly © Cormac Mac Mahon
The common blue butterfly (Polyommatus icarus) is a small butterfly with some fascinating characteristics. The males are brightly colored with blue wings, while the females are typically brown with a dusting of blue and orange spots. They have a wingspan of around 29-36 mm. A key aspect of their life cycle involves a close relationship with ants, a phenomenon called myrmecophily. Common blue larvae produce a sweet secretion that attracts the ants, which in turn protect the larvae from predators and parasites.