Small Blue
(Cupido minimus) Fuessly (1775) Hairstreaks and Blues (Lycaenidae) SMBL 24860
Dværgblåfugl (dk)Duende Menor (es)Mindre Blåvinge (se) Synonyms: Little Blue (gb) Liten Blåvinge (se)
Measurements:
WS: 18-28mm
Generations:
1-2
Flight period:
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
SE
Identification:
The smallest in the Nordic region. Dark brown above with white rim and only a faint trace of a black inner margin. Ribbons pale. The male has blue scales above, but wear off quickly.
Below the ground color is light gray-brown. Bands of small black dots on both wings with white circles run in a straight line on both wings, compared to semiargus (Engblåfugl).
Similar species:
Life stages:
Distribution:
N and C Spain through Europe, Asia to Amur.
Habitat:
Dry and warm open areas with calcareous soil. Often seen on recently cleared land with sparse vegetation where Rundbælg grows.
Behavior:
Flies low and often in larger flocks.
Status:
In Denmark slightly declining. Present in most parts of the country. Absent Langeland, Bornholm. Rare Finland, common Øland and Gotland, rest of Sweden and Norway scarce.
Imago
Different animals. Small size and on host plant Rundbælg (Anthyllis vulneraria) [Common Kidneyvetch ~ Vulneraria ~ Getväppling].
I'm not sure about sexes, but the last two photos are of the same animal, and the body looks fat indicating a female. Difficult to photograph this batch was.
My first on Amager. Like it because I went out to look for it especially; although at another spot at first. Might be more in suited habitat, and even more so this year with the dry conditions everywhere.