Vaud, Switzerland, June 2011
Geneva, Switzerland, June 2021
Field notes and information
A butterfly of flowery grasslands and clearings amongst bushes and trees. Usually local but widespread.
Identification & Similar species: Can be confused with the other short tailed blues plus the small blues. The presence of orange spots on hind wing is usually sufficient for identification. These can sometimes be present in the Provencal short tailed blue, E. alcetas, but the orange doesn't fill the space between the chevrons and the spots.
Distribution & Flight: Northern Spain, France and eastwards to Greece and the Balkans including most of Italy. Typically double brooded flying in spring (end of April to June) and then in summer (July and August).
Habitat & Behaviour: Grassy flowery places, possibly with light scrub or the edge of woodland. Often flies low and inconspicuously amongst vegetation.
Valais, Switzerland, May 2011
Female.
Geneva, Switzerland, June 2021
Macedonia, Greece, July 2004
The broad orange patches on underside hindwing separates this species from E. alcetas and decoloratus.
Geneve, Switzerland, June 2007
Valais, Switzerland, May 2011
Showing reduced orange spots.
Vaud, Switzerland, June 2009
A pale blue egg is visible in the developing clover seed head.
Geneve, Switzerland, July 2006
Two eggs were also laid in the flower head, visible as two white marks.
Geneve, Switzerland, July 2006
Vaud, Switzerland, July 2008
The factory carpark - just before its extension and destruction of the newly found short tailed blue argiades colony.
Geneve, Switzerland, June 2007
Vaud, Switzerland, June 2017
Piedmont, Italy, July 2012
Vaud, Switzerland, August 2006
Female