description Chalkhill Blue Overview
The Chalkhill Blue (Polyommatus coridon) is a butterfly found across parts of Europe, primarily on chalk and limestone grasslands. Its caterpillars feed on horseshoe vetch and are attended by ants, a relationship common in the family Lycaenidae. Adults display pale blue upperwings in males and brown in females, and are typically on the wing in mid to late summer. The species is used as an indicator of unimproved calcareous grassland habitat and is of interest to conservationists and butterfly watchers.
insights Ranking position
Chalkhill Blue ranks #80 of 310 in the Butterfly ranking, behind Malachite Butterfly, ahead of Great Eggfly.
help Chalkhill Blue FAQ
Where does the Chalkhill Blue butterfly live?
The Chalkhill Blue (Polyommatus coridon) is a butterfly found across parts of Europe, particularly in southern and central England. Its habitat is strictly limited to dry, warm chalk and limestone grasslands.
What do Chalkhill Blue caterpillars eat?
The caterpillars feed almost exclusively on horseshoe vetch, a plant vital to their survival in calcareous grasslands. They also have a fascinating symbiotic relationship with specific species of ants, which protect them from predators in exchange for sweet secretions.
What do adult Chalkhill Blue butterflies look like?
Adult males display striking, pale, silvery-blue upper wings, which is where the butterfly gets its common name. In contrast, the females are primarily dark brown with a hint of blue near the base of their wings.
When is the best time to see Chalkhill Blue butterflies?
The best time to see these butterflies is during their flight period, which peaks in August. During this time, large numbers of males can often be seen聚集ing in massive swarms above their grassland habitats.
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