Species account

Skovblåfugl (Celastrina argiolus)    Linnaeus (1758)
   Blåfugle (Lycaenidae)    HOBL    25041
Holly Blue (gb)   Náyade (es)   Tosteblåvinge (se)      Synonyms: Moseblåfugl (dk)
Measurements:
WS: 24-33mm
Generations:
2-3
Flight period:
JFMAMJJASOND 
SE
Identification:
Unique in Denmark with combination of large size and complete silver-bluish underside with well-defined black spots.

During recent decades the species has started to show up in urban habitats, why the Danish name seems less adequate than before. Apparently, some researchers speculate whether it could be an undescribed form rather than the result of changed behavior.

The female has a very broad black border to the upper-side wings.
Similar species:
Life stages:
Distribution:
N Africa, Europe, Turkey to C Asia.
Habitat:
Openings, edges and roads in forests but also visiting gardens and parks or grassy fields with flower.s
Behavior:
Status:
Common in Denmark in most parts of the country.
Host plants:
Tørst (Frangula alnus) [Alder Buckthorn ~ Arraclán ~ Brakved]
Mose-Bølle (Vaccinium uliginosum) [Bog Blueberry ~ Arándano Negro ~ Odon]
Blåbær (Vaccinium myrtillus) [European Blueberry ~ Mirtilo ~ Blåbär]

Grå-Pil (Salix cinerea) [Gray Willow ~ sauce ceniciento ~ Gråvide]
Benved (Euonymus europaeus) [European Spindler ~Bonetero ~ Benved]


Feeding plants:
Grå-Pil (Salix cinerea) [Gray Willow ~ sauce ceniciento ~ Gråvide]
Comment:
2. generation is bigger.
Holly Blue 571    (1 photos)
2021-08-05    Møllekrog (Esrum sø), Denmark

Imago
Not sure of sex. Here on Hemp-agrimony (Hjortetrøst).



Holly Blue 1855    (2 photos)
2022-07-10    Kongelundsområdet, Denmark

Imago




Holly Blue 1854    (2 photos)
2022-07-14    Bøtø-skoven, Denmark

Imago




Holly Blue 1004    (1 photos)
2022-07-28    Tårnby Kommune (Amager), Denmark

Imago
Three animals were chasing each other eagerly in the hot afternoon sun, making it difficult to get a good photo.



Holly Blue 1527    (1 photos)
2023-06-06    Getå (Norrköping), Sweden

Imago
Behind Villa Fridhem.
One of the few we saw of the species, being way past the peak flight period of the first generation.




Holly Blue 1966    (1 photos)
2023-07-21    Bøtø-skoven, Denmark

Imago




Holly Blue 2118    (1 photos)
2023-08-03    Grene Sande/Gyttegårds Plantage, Denmark

Imago




Holly Blue 2260    (2 photos)
2023-08-24    Kalvebod Fælled, Denmark

Imago
Fasanskoven.
A cranky-boof delight!




Holly Blue 1965    (1 photos)
2023-07-21    Bøtø-skoven, Denmark

Imago Han
The blackberry thicket at the sw corner of the p-lot is always a good spot to find it.



Holly Blue 494    (2 photos)
2021-05-29    Tårnby Kommune (Amager), Denmark

Imago Hun
Surprised to find this individual in a suburban garden rather than in the forests that I visit frequently.



Holly Blue 570    (1 photos)
2021-08-05    Møllekrog (Esrum sø), Denmark

Imago Hun
A few individuals present.



Holly Blue 676    (3 photos)
2022-05-23    Kongelunden, Denmark

Imago Hun
Two animals at this spot today.



Holly Blue 2102    (1 photos)
2023-07-30    Vinkelhuse (tårnby), Denmark

Imago Hun
First time visitor - witnessed at least. Came back the next day too, but only doing short scans of the flowers before continuing along the wall.



Holly Blue 2117    (1 photos)
2023-08-03    Grene Sande/Gyttegårds Plantage, Denmark

Imago Hun




Holly Blue 1270    (6 photos)
2022-08-02    Nyttehaver Ugandavej (tårnby), Denmark

Imago Han & Hun
Two animals.
On Oregano and a rose type.