Species account

Dværgblåfugl (Cupido minimus)    Fuessly (1775)
   Blåfugle (Lycaenidae)    SMBL    24860
Small Blue (gb)   Duende Menor (es)   Mindre Blåvinge (se)      Synonyms: Little Blue (gb) Liten Blåvinge (se)
Measurements:
WS: 18-28mm
Generations:
1-2
Flight period:
JFMAMJJASOND 
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.
Host plants:
Rundbælg (Anthyllis vulneraria) [Common Kidneyvetch ~ Vulneraria ~ Getväppling]
Almindelig Kællingetand (Lotus corniculatus) [Bird's-foot Trefoil ~ Loto Corniculado ~ Käringtand]
Feeding plants:
Rundbælg (Anthyllis vulneraria) [Common Kidneyvetch ~ Vulneraria ~ Getväppling]
Almindelig Kællingetand (Lotus corniculatus) [Bird's-foot Trefoil ~ Loto Corniculado ~ Käringtand]
Humle-Sneglebælg (Medicago lupulina) [Black Medick ~ Humlelusern]
Comment:
In Nordic region it only gets one generation, but further south two is possible.
Small Blue 1284    (5 photos)
2022-06-25    Holtug Kridtbrud (Stevns), Denmark

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.




Small Blue 1432    (2 photos)
2023-05-26    Melby Overdrev, Denmark

Imago
Hiding well on this windy day.



Small Blue 1433    (1 photos)
2023-05-26    Melby Overdrev, Denmark

Imago
In the same spot as 1432, and not the same as the number of spots on the forewing underside shows.



Small Blue 1476    (3 photos)
2023-06-12    Kalvebod Fælled, Denmark

Imago
Svenskeholmvej - pinseskoven.
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.




Small Blue 1695    (3 photos)
2023-06-24    Grusgrav ved Mogenstrup (Sjælland), Denmark

Imago
Together with 1696.



Small Blue 1696    (1 photos)
2023-06-24    Grusgrav ved Mogenstrup (Sjælland), Denmark

Imago
Together with 1695.



Small Blue 2127    (1 photos)
2023-08-04    Lild Klitplantage (Thy), Denmark

Imago




Small Blue 2240    (1 photos)
2023-08-20    Høvblege (Møn), Denmark

Imago
A single animal seen, and only this briefly, without showing the underside.