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Celastrina argiolus
This is a woodland species which may be found in a sheltered sunny glade, along a mature hedgerow, and of course, in our gardens. In flight, Holly Blue and Common Blue can easily be confused but when perched, the silver background and black marks of the undersides are very distinctive.
The first adults usually emerge in late March/early April and can be seen throughout May and June. Second brood adults appear in late July and August. Over the past decade, a small third brood has been regularly recorded in October and November. A report of two females in North Lancing, on 01/12/2021, was the first-ever county record for this species in the month of December. This record was rather special, for it meant that Holly Blue had joined a very select group of butterfly species that has been recorded in Sussex, in every month of the year.
Anywhere in Sussex, but especially in mature gardens. If you see a blue butterfly in your garden then 99 times out of a 100 it will be a Holly Blue.
Holly Blue nectaring on Bramble blossom – photo by Martin Kalaher
Male with open wings
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Female with open wings
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Female with closed wings
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Female nectaring on Greater Celandine
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Egg-laying on Dogwood
Butterfly Conservation Holly Blue
