Tribe Polyommatini Rank Species | ||
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Similar Polyommatus thersites, Polyommatus daphnis, Eumedonia eumedon, Polyommatus dorylas, Glaucopsyche alexis | ||
Polyommatus damon
Polyommatus damon, the Damon blue, is a butterfly of the Lycaenidae family.
Contents
- Polyommatus damon
- Aricia nicias azur des g raniums polyommatus damon sabl du sainfoin femelles
- Subspecies
- Distribution and habitat
- Description
- Biology
- References
Aricia nicias azur des g raniums polyommatus damon sabl du sainfoin femelles
Subspecies
Subspecies include:
Distribution and habitat
The Damon blue can be found in Central and Southern Europe (central Spain, Pyrenees, Alps, Balkans and the Carpathians) and in temperate parts of Asia. This mountain species inhabits dry bushy or light woodlands and open grassy places at an elevation of 1,000–2,100 metres (3,300–6,900 ft) above sea level.
Description
Polyommatus damon has a wingspan of 20–34 mm. These small butterflies present a sexual dimorphism. The upperside of the wings is shining blue in males, with broad black borders and prominent veins. The upperside of the wings is brown in females. The underface of wings is ocher or pale grey-brown with a series of brown-black spots surrounded by white. Hindwings shows a white streak in both sexes. Both sexes have also a white fringe.
Biology
The butterfly flies from June to August. The larvae feed on Onobrychis species and Medicago falcata. Larvae are attended by ants (Lasius niger, Lasius alienus, Formica pratensis).