The small blue is aptly named as it is our smallest native British butterfly. The wings are brown, fringed with white, with a fine layer of blue scales spreading out from the body. The undersides of the wings are grey with dark spots and a slight blue colour again spreading out from the body.

Behaviour

Males of this species can often be found in groups of two or three and are not territorial, unless selecting a perch. When not looking for nectar, males may wait for females, finding a shrub or piece of grass as a perch. Mating takes place without prior courtship, and after the female has found a suitable site she lays only one egg, as after hatching the larvae are cannabilistic.

Size

• Wingspan: 18-27mm

Status

UKBAP priority species.

Distribution

Widespread, but in isolated pockets outside the stronghold of southern England.

When to see

May – June

Facts

• Both sexes will feed on nectar from various flowers, but males will also take in minerals and salts from mud, carrion and animal droppings.