Large blue butterfly  (Maculinea arion)

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

Range

Widely distributed throughout Europe except for the extreme north and southern parts of Spain. The large blue became extinct in the UK in 1979.

You can view distribution information for this species at the National Biodiversity Network Gateway.

Habitat

This butterfly likes south-facing hillsides with close-cropped, unfertilised pasture. It requires the caterpillar's food plant, wild thyme, in the presence of a species of ant, Myrmirca sabuleti.

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