Silver-studded Blue

Males blue with a dark border. Females brown with a row of red spots. Undersides brown-grey with black spots, a row of orange spots, and small greenish flecks on outer margin. Males are similar to Common Blue, which lacks greenish spots.

This small butterfly is found mainly in heathland where the silvery-blue wings of the males provide a marvellous sight as they fly low over the heather. The females are brown and far less conspicuous but, like the male, have distinct metallic spots on the hindwing. In the late afternoon the adults often congregate to roost on sheltered bushes or grass tussocks.

The Silver-studded Blue has a restricted distribution but occurs in large numbers in suitable heathland and coastal habitats. It has undergone a major decline through most of its range.

Size and Family

• Family: Blues
• Size: Small 
• Wing Span Range (male to female): 29-31mm

Conservation Status

• Butterfly Conservation: Medium
• Section 41 species of principal importance under the NERC Act in England
• Listed on Section 7 of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016
• UK BAP status: Priority Species                   
• Protected under Schedule 5 of the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act (for sale only)
• European status: Not threatened              

Caterpillar Foodplants

A wide variety of ericaceous and leguminous plants are used: on heathland, the most common are Heather (Calluna vulgaris), Bell Heather (Erica cinerea), Cross-leaved Heath (E. tetralix), gorses (Ulex spp).

Lifecycle

Habitat

A rare butterfly found on heathland, sand dunes and chalk/limestone grassland.

Distribution

• Countries: England and Wales
• Most colonies are found in Southern England, but some colonies are present in Wales, the East of England and on Prees Heath Reserve in Shropshire.
• Distribution Trend Since 1970s: -64%