Silver-studded blue

Scientific name: Plebejus argus

The dazzling silver-studded blue is a rare butterfly of heathland habitats, mainly in southern England. It has undergone severe population declines in recent years.

Species information

Statistics

Wingspan: 2.6-3.2cm

Conservation status

Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. Priority Species under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework.

When to see

June to August

About

The silver-studded blue emerges in June and is usually on the wing until late August. It is a rare butterfly, generally found in heathland habitats that have shorter, sparsely vegetated areas. It is restricted to close-knit colonies in southern England and Wales. Two subspecies can be found in its range, while two others are now extinct in the UK. The larvae feed on a wide variety of plants, such as bell heather, cross-leaved heath and gorses.

How to identify

The silver-studded blue is a small butterfly which gets its name from the light blue reflective 'studs' (scales) found on the underside of the wings. The upper wings are blue with a dark outer rim. Males are bluer than females, which are more of a dull brown.

Distribution

Restricted to specific sites in southern England, eastern England, Wales and Shropshire.

Habitats

Did you know?

The caterpillars of the silver-studded blue have a close relationship with ants! The ants protect the caterpillars from predators and parasites, in return they get to feed on a sugary substance that the caterpillars produce. When the caterpillars are ready to pupate, they do so in a shallow chamber just below the ground - often in ant nests. The ants will attend the pupa just as they did the caterpillar, and can even be seen swarming around the newly-emerged adult butterflies, offering them some protection as they wait for their wings to dry.