The Silver-Studded Blue
Photographs and information on the female silver-studded blue butterfly….
I managed to photograph this little beauty whilst on an evening stroll this week. Plebejus Argus or the Silver-Studded Blue is so named because of its shiny blue scales in the centre of the spots which edge the hindwing’s underside. The upperside of the male is blue with black edges, quite unlike the photographs underneath! This is the female with a brown upperside and distinctive orange spots.
Female Silver-Studded Blue
I saw this on an area of unspoilt grassland which edged a shallow stream. Wild flowers were in abundance and it is areas such as this which are fastly becoming its only hope of survival, changes in farming methods and the extending of built up areas has resulted in a serious loss of habitat for the silver-studded blue and it is mostly areas in the south of England where it can be seen in any quantity.
Look for heathlands and any areas of low growing plants, heather and gorse from late May until August, they can be found in some coastal areas but these are relatively few and far between.
The Silver-Studded Blue
Miles,
a beautiful thing and great pictures.
I don’t think I’ve seen one of these before. I note what you say about coastal areas so perhaps that’s it - but not a common sight I imaging
Great stuff
Best
Rod
June 1, 2010 @ 8:55 am
Miles,
What a lovely find. I can’t recall seeing one before. A superb photograph.
I try to grow plants in my garden that benefit butterflies and bees.
I happily let nettles grow behind my garden for them to lay their eggs in.
Anne
June 1, 2010 @ 3:30 pm
I am absolutely speechless over your photos here.
Annie
June 1, 2010 @ 6:26 pm
Annie,
Many thanks, I’ve got a couple of ‘goodies’ lined up for later in the week
Miles
June 1, 2010 @ 7:17 pm
Anne,
Top marks for that, I was thinking about a wild flower patch in my garden for the same reason.
Miles
June 1, 2010 @ 7:18 pm
Rod,
Thanks, I’ve not seen many of them, I’ve found a great little spot though…
Miles
June 1, 2010 @ 7:19 pm
Miles,
I see lots of these every year, either that or one very busy individual
and they are a real favourite of mine. I always thought of them as blue moths but they look like your picture so I’ve learned something today. Goodness knows why they appear in my garden since it’s hardly heathland and I’ve never managed to photograph one because they are such quick movers, so extra congratulations for your detailed studies.
Cid
June 1, 2010 @ 8:56 pm
Cid,
A great comment thank you. The problem with photographing any insect is convincing them to hang around for long enough, a lot easier said than done. Add to that the slightest breath of wind and you’re done for
Miles
June 2, 2010 @ 8:19 am
Miles,
Stunning pictures!
End of May does seem a bit early for silver studded blues though - are you sure it wasn’t a female common blue or a brown argus? It’s difficult to tell but I can’t make out the characteristic silver “studs”, or the forewing spot pattern which would be a definite sign.
Jon
July 21, 2010 @ 2:06 pm
Jon,
Welcome to the site, many thanks for that. Must admit it’s been a bit of a nightmare identifying some of these so any help is greatly appreciated, an expert I certainly am not!
Thanks again Jon,
Kind regards
Miles
July 21, 2010 @ 5:09 pm