Plebejus idas


Plebejus idas, the Idas blue or northern blue, is a butterfly of the family Lycaenidae.

Subspecies

include the following:
Plebejus itas lotis is a critically endangered subspecies native to Mendocino County, California, with sightings in Sonoma and Marin counties. It has been listed as an endangered species since June 1, 1976, but has not been sighted in the wild since 1994.

Distribution

This species can be found in most of Europe, in the northern regions of the Palearctic and in the Nearctic realms.

Habitat

It usually inhabits grassy flowery areas, mixed evergreen forests and wet meadows up to alpine levels, at an elevation of above sea level.

Description

Plebejus idas has a wingspan of 17–28 mm. This species is quite variable in colors and markings. The upperside of male's wings is iridescent blue, while it is brown with orange submarginal spots in the females. The underface of the wings is greyish with black spots and it shows a thin black line and small dots along outer margin. Along these margins are also present a rather large orange band with blue spots.
This species is very similar to the Silver studded blue and to the Reverdin's blue. The forelegs of male of Plebejus idas lacks a hook which is present in Plebejus argus.

Biology

The species flies in a single brood from June to August depending on location. The larvae feed on Calluna vulgaris, Vaccinium uliginosum, Empetrum nigrum and various Fabaceae species. They are usually attended by ants. Second-stage of the caterpillars overwinter.

Gallery