Common Blue

Rare

In weak sunlit conditions males often bask on low herbage, with wings held half open. In overcast but warm conditions they sometimes bask with wings fully outspread.

Size: 28-36 mm. The underside margin of both wings with complete row of orange lunules. The underside of the forewing has two black spots near base. The male is violet-blue with black marginal line; while the females is brown with variable degrees of blue suffusion and orange in the hindwing marginal spots centred with black.

Sinai, and Cairo. AOO = 25 km2. EOO = 41,500 km2. 3 locations.

Widespread (North Africa and Europe to Afghanistan)

Meadows and open spaces up to 2000 m.

Vulnerable (D2)

.Two generations in most years, three in good years.

6 records. Latest in 1975 (South Sinai)

Resident

Needs revision

April-July

Host-plants: Leguminous plants, probably Medicago.