Butterflies
Skippers
Whites
Hairstreaks
Blues and Coppers
Admirals
Vannesids
Fritallaries
Browns
wingspan: 30-40 mm
Map of area covered for records
Butterfly Survey 1976-2025
ADONIS BLUE
Adonis Blue male/female
The Adonis Blue butterfly (Polyommatus bellargus) is a stunning butterfly species native to Southern England, particularly in areas with chalk grasslands and coastal cliffs. Its appearance in the White Hill Fackenden area is a wonderful bonus for the fifty year study and now confirmed, it most likely has gone overlooked in the past. However, it is hard to mistake this beautiful butterfly, known as it is for its striking sparkling blue wings with black spots and intricate orange markings on the underside which it shares with the female
Lifecycle: The lifecycle of the Adonis Blue butterfly consists of four stages: egg, caterpillar, pupa, and adult. The female butterfly typically lays her eggs on the leaves of horseshoe vetch (Hippocrepis comosa) plants, the primary food source for Adonis Blue caterpillars. The caterpillars hatch and feed on the horseshoe vetch before pupating and eventually emerging as beautiful adult butterflies.
Flight Season: The Adonis Blue butterfly is generally active from late June to late August, in two generations, with peak flying times varying slightly depending on the location and local climate conditions. During these months, you may be able to observe these butterflies fluttering among the flowers, feeding on nectar, and in courtship displays.
Conservation Status: Due to habitat loss, agricultural intensification, and other human activities, the Adonis Blue butterfly has faced declines in its population numbers in recent years. Conservation efforts, such as habitat restoration, land management practices, and monitoring programs, such as those practiced on Fackenden and White Hill, are crucial for protecting this species and ensuring its continued presence in the wild.
Collecting is anathema, as is a general disrespect for nature. Fortunately with climate change and better awareness, things are changing, with only small pockets of backward protectionist attitudes prevailng.
Larval Foodplant: horsesho vetch
Status: New and exclusive in my study area to Fackenden, White Hill Shoreham
WH - White Hill Shoreham, FACK - Fackenden Down Thanks to John Poland for his recent discovery and a special thank you for the images
By Rodney Compton