Photo © Pete Eeles
Adonis Blue
Polyommatus bellargus
Checklist Number61.019 [B&F: 1576]
Verification
Record will be accepted (subject to date and location checks)
Classification
| Family: | Lycaenidae |
| Subfamily: | Polyommatinae |
| Genus: | Polyommatus |
| Species: | bellargus |
| Authority: | (Rottemburg, 1775) |
A rare Red Data Book species, on chalk downland, south-facing hillsides; 100-400 m (100-2000 m in Europe) in parts of southern England and mainland Europe. In Hampshire appears in reasonable numbers on Martin Down, and regular on Broughton Down and St Catherine's Hill, and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 28-34 mm. Larva feeds on Horseshoe Vetch and Crown Vetch, subsequently living underground where attended by ants.