CLICK ON PHOTO TO SEE HIGHER QUALITY IMAGE
Click here for detailed species information
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 it
was found as an invasive species in Mirabel, Quebec, Canada where it
has continued to extend and colonise new areas. 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
The
male has striking blue upper wings and lighter brown and blueish washed
under wings compared to the female's brownish upper and under wings
although her upper wings can be blueish brown in some populations. Males
are very territorial and are constantly in search of receptive females.
When the sexes meet, copulation occurs
immediately, usually without any courtship ritual. Eggs are laid on the preferred larval food plant Birdsfoot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) or on plants from pea and bean family (Leguminosae).
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
Reference:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_blue