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The Common Blue Butterfly (Polyommatus icarus) is of the family Lycaenidae which is in the genus Polyommatus. This species has a widespread distribution across the Palaearctic region and in 2005
was found as an invasive species in Mirabel, Quebec, Canada where it
has continued to extend and colonise new areas. The female lays eggs on the preferred larval food plant Birdsfoot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) or on plants from pea and bean family (Leguminosae).
In southern Europe, the flight season is protracted, from early March
into November, over a number of generations. In Britain and Ireland, it
is on the wing from
May to late September, over two generations. It overwinters as a larva
(caterpillar) which emerges from hibernation the following season to
continue feeding on its larval plant.
Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds