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Polyommatus icarus
This is by far the commonest of the British blue butterflies and it may be found in more-or-less any warm patch of unfertilised grassland, and is often very abundant in high-quality, wildflower meadows. It lives in discrete colonies of tens or hundreds of individuals but not the thousands that can be associated with other “blues” such as Chalkhill Blue. The male is an easy ID, but the female can be confused with Brown Argus.
The first adults emerge in late April/early May with numbers peaking in late May or early June. The second brood peaks in late July/early August. In most years there is a third brood from mid-September to late October.
This species may be seen anywhere in Sussex, with the largest colonies found on downland.
Common Blue nectaring on Birdsfoot Trefoil – photo by Martin Kalaher
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Female nectaring on Marjoram
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Male nectaring on Corn Marigold
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Male undersides
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Male’s wings fully opened
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Male undersides
Butterfly Conservation Common Blue
