The Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus) of the Lycaenidae family is found throughout Europe, from the extreme north of Scandinavia to the smallest islands of the Mediterranean. Beyond Europe, it’s range extends from the Middle East across temperate Asia to northern China. It also occurs in north Africa and the Canary Islands. Recently it seems to have migrated to Canada too. Like many butterflies male and female individuals may vary a lot in appearance. While the male has bright blue uppersides, the female is primarily brown, with a highly variable amount of blue.
Males are often very obvious as they defend territories against rivals and search out the more reclusive females. The female is less conspicuous, spending most of her time nectaring, resting and egg-laying. When egg-laying, the female makes slow flights, low over the ground, searching out suitable foodplants on which to lay. When a suitable plant is located, a single egg is laid on the upperside of a young leaf.
This species is found in a wide variety of habitats, including unimproved grassland such as roadside verges and waste ground, downland, woodland clearings.
In dull weather this species roosts head down on a grass stem. This species roosts communally at night, with several individuals occasionally found roosting on the same grass stem. Roosting at the top of the grasses is probably an effective survival strategy, keeping them out of reach of mice and other nocturnal predators.
Despite it’s name, the Common Blue can no longer be considered a common butterfly. It still remains widespread , but many colonies in marginal habitats such as woodland rides and farmland have declined or been lost. The species still occurs in moderate numbers but most colonies nowadays comprise of no more than a few dozen individuals.
bee is beautiful 