Holly Blue / Krkovin plavac

Description:

Fairly distinctive with small blue points on an shiny silvery blue underside ground color. Resembles the Small and Short Tailed Blues but the silver- blue underside is unique to Celastrina argiolus. The silvery blue undersides are noticeable distinct in flight. Its habit of flying around bushes is also an aid to identification. There is marked sexual dimorphism. The male has a fine black border on the upperside, in the female this is very broad. Broadness in the female varies from location to location and is generally greater in the summer broods. These broad borders are clearly visible in flight. Lack of the spots on my photo means that this specimen is srill very young.

Habitat:

It is found across North Africa and Europe except N UK and N Scandinavia. Currently expanding northwards, in the UK at least. Its habitat is diverse; mostly bushy or woodland areas. Often in gardens.