Photo © Mike Wall
Large Blue
Phengaris arion
Checklist Number61.013 [B&F: 1581]
Verification
Record will require further evidence, at least a good photograph, unless CMR is aware recorder has confidence in identification
Classification
| Family: | Lycaenidae |
| Subfamily: | Polyommatinae |
| Genus: | Phengaris |
| Species: | arion |
| Authority: | (Linnaeus, 1758) |
An endangered Red Data Book species, protected under the UK Wildlife and Countryside Act, and a priority species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, in rough grassland, flower meadows and open woodland in south-west England; mainland Europe. In Britain, re-introduced into south-west England, notably at Collard Hill, Somerset, after having become extinct in 1979.
The only reference to records in our area is as quoted here from Butterflies of Hampshire - "Prior to 1830, it was said to be plentiful around Winchester where specimens were taken and the species appears in the collection of Mr Curtis (Bretherton, 1951; Goater, 1974; Newman, 1871; Spooner, 1963; Tutt, 1905). If this were so, they are the only records of the Large Blue on chalk downland in Britain." As such, this account seems rather doubtful.
Wingspan 40-43 mm. Larva feeds on Wild Thyme, subsequently living underground where attended by ants.
Update: Reference to BoH added, June 2020.
The only reference to records in our area is as quoted here from Butterflies of Hampshire - "Prior to 1830, it was said to be plentiful around Winchester where specimens were taken and the species appears in the collection of Mr Curtis (Bretherton, 1951; Goater, 1974; Newman, 1871; Spooner, 1963; Tutt, 1905). If this were so, they are the only records of the Large Blue on chalk downland in Britain." As such, this account seems rather doubtful.
Wingspan 40-43 mm. Larva feeds on Wild Thyme, subsequently living underground where attended by ants.
Update: Reference to BoH added, June 2020.