Paul_Wheeler
Silver-Studded Blue Butterfly ♂
The Silver-Studded Blue (Plebejus argus) is so named due to the silvery blue metallic spots on the underside hind wings. It has suffered severe reduction in its range in the UK due to habitat destruction. These butterflies are incredibly small, with a wingspan measuring about 2.5cm. About the size of your thumbnail.
The larvae have a close relationship with ants and produce a honeydew-like liquid to feed them. In return the ants will protect the larvae from predators. Eggs are laid on or near the ground, often near Ants nests and pass through the winter hatching in the spring in late March or early April. Sometimes the pupae are actually taken into ants nests where they continue to secrete Honey Dew until the Butterfly emerges.
I couldn't resist posting another shot of this beauty, recently seen on heathland in the Penhale district of Cornwall, England.
Thanks to all of you who visit my Photostream. Your comments are greatly appreciated, and I’m pleased you enjoy my work. I wish you all a wonderful weekend, and I look forward to catching up with you all over the next couple days.
Silver-Studded Blue Butterfly ♂
The Silver-Studded Blue (Plebejus argus) is so named due to the silvery blue metallic spots on the underside hind wings. It has suffered severe reduction in its range in the UK due to habitat destruction. These butterflies are incredibly small, with a wingspan measuring about 2.5cm. About the size of your thumbnail.
The larvae have a close relationship with ants and produce a honeydew-like liquid to feed them. In return the ants will protect the larvae from predators. Eggs are laid on or near the ground, often near Ants nests and pass through the winter hatching in the spring in late March or early April. Sometimes the pupae are actually taken into ants nests where they continue to secrete Honey Dew until the Butterfly emerges.
I couldn't resist posting another shot of this beauty, recently seen on heathland in the Penhale district of Cornwall, England.
Thanks to all of you who visit my Photostream. Your comments are greatly appreciated, and I’m pleased you enjoy my work. I wish you all a wonderful weekend, and I look forward to catching up with you all over the next couple days.