61.013 Phengaris arion (Large Blue)
ws: m38-48mm, f42-52mm; Jun-early Jul; wild thyme (Thymus polytrichus); ssp. eutyphron EXTINCT but has ssp. arion has been successfully introduced at several sites eg Collard Hill, Somerset.
Synonym: Maculinea arion
Synonym: Maculinea arion
ID: The largest British 'blue' and the only one with black spots on the forewing upperside; also has a broad black border on the upperside of both wings.
All images Collard Hill, Somerset; 18/06/2015
All images © Chris Lewis
All images © Chris Lewis
Page published 07/07/2015 | Text amended 07/03/2025
