Lampides boeticus (Linnaeus, 1767) Commonly known as “Long-Tailed Blue” or “Pea Blue”
Wingspan: males 24mm to 32mm. Females 24mm 32mm.
Family: Lycaenidae
Flight season: February to November.
Males’ upper wings are purple bluish, females’ upper wings are bluish brown in colour.
In favourable weather conditions, the Long-tailed Blue will have up to three generations a year. Eggs are laid singerly on a plants bud.
Habitat: Hot dry grasslands, varied waste land, gardens, cultivations and coastal habitats.
Mainly found in Mid to Southern Europe, Lampides boeticus butterflies are strong migrants and will travel as far as Southern England, in favourable weather conditions. More commonly seen and a resident in countries around the Mediterranean region. Can also be found in the Baltic States, Into Asia and most of Africa and Madagascar.
The larvae (caterpillars) feed on flowers, seeds and pods of many Fabaceae (pea and bean family) species, especially Legumes. Because of this, it is considered a pest to farmers, as it can do considerable damage to their crops.
Depending on temperature, the larvae life cycle takes up to eight weeks.