Male common blue butterfly (Polyommatus Icarus) resting on a blade of grass.

The commonest European Blue in grassy, flowery places from the Arctic to the Mediterranean; also found in North Africa, the Canary Islands, and much of temperate Asia. Appears between May and July in the north but in two or three flights in the south between April and October. The caterpillar is green, striped with dark green and white, and feeds on Trefoils (Lotus) and other Legumes, Autumn-generation caterpillar overwinter at the base of the foodplant in a frail, silken shelter. The chrysalis is brown and green and is enclosed in a cocoon attached to the stem of the foodplant near the ground.

Male common blue butterfly (Polyommatus Icarus) with its vibrant blue wings open.

The commonest European Blue in grassy, flowery places from the Arctic to the Mediterranean; also found in North Africa, the Canary Islands, and much of temperate Asia. Appears between May and July in the north but in two or three flights in the south between April and October. The caterpillar is green, striped with dark green and white, and feeds on Trefoils (Lotus) and other Legumes, Autumn-generation caterpillar overwinter at the base of the foodplant in a frail, silken shelter. The chrysalis is brown and green and is enclosed in a cocoon attached to the stem of the foodplant near the ground.

Male common blue butterfly (Polyommatus Icarus) feeding on cow parsley flowers.

The commonest European Blue in grassy, flowery places from the Arctic to the Mediterranean; also found in North Africa, the Canary Islands, and much of temperate Asia. Appears between May and July in the north but in two or three flights in the south between April and October. The caterpillar is green, striped with dark green and white, and feeds on Trefoils (Lotus) and other Legumes, Autumn-generation caterpillar overwinter at the base of the foodplant in a frail, silken shelter. The chrysalis is brown and green and is enclosed in a cocoon attached to the stem of the foodplant near the ground.

Common blue (Polyommatus Icarus) female butterfly feeding-UK macro photography.

The commonest European Blue in grassy, flowery places from the Arctic to the Mediterranean; also found in North Africa, the Canary Islands, and much of temperate Asia. Appears between May and July in the north but in two or three flights in the south between April and October. The caterpillar is green, striped with dark green and white, and feeds on Trefoils (Lotus) and other Legumes, Autumn-generation caterpillar overwinter at the base of the foodplant in a frail, silken shelter. The chrysalis is brown and green and is enclosed in a cocoon attached to the stem of the foodplant near the ground.