Adonis blue  (Lysandra bellargus)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Biology

This species has two broods a year, there are therefore two adult flight periods; between mid-May and mid-June and early august to mid-September. Eggs are laid singly on the undersides of leaflets on small horseshoe vetches growing amongst short turf. The larvae feed on the underside of leaves, leaving typical feeding damage of small pale discs. Both larvae and pupae are always attended by ants, which are attracted by 'honey glands'. The ants provide protection against predation and parasitism and may even bury larvae at night! The larval stage over-winters, and emerges the following spring to complete development. Pupation takes place in the soil (4).

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