Silver-studded Blue Plebejus argus Pair
It was good to see this pair of Silver-studded Blue butterflies, a declining species, mating on Bell Heather on Silchester Common, Hampshire. Its name derives from the silver spots or 'studs' (scales) visible on the underside of the hindwings. The female will lay her eggs beside a black Lasius ants nest with whom the species has an interesting symbiotic relationship; the ants protect the caterpillar in return for a sugary substance produced by the emerging adult.
Silver-studded Blue Plebejus argus Pair
It was good to see this pair of Silver-studded Blue butterflies, a declining species, mating on Bell Heather on Silchester Common, Hampshire. Its name derives from the silver spots or 'studs' (scales) visible on the underside of the hindwings. The female will lay her eggs beside a black Lasius ants nest with whom the species has an interesting symbiotic relationship; the ants protect the caterpillar in return for a sugary substance produced by the emerging adult.