Small Blue, Cupido minimus Family: Lycaenidae

1569     *     Cupido minimus     *     Small Blue


Widespread but rare, declining in most areas. A Priority Species for conservation

Wingspan: 18-27mm. The smallest native butterfly
Flight time: May-June and August
Habitat: Sheltered chalk or limestone grassland where Kidney Vetch is present

Larval foodplant: Kidney Vetch, Anthyllis vulneraria


Small Blue, Cupido minimus
Small Blue, Cupido minimus
Badbury Rings, Dorset. May 2015

All images used are copyright. Please contact me if you find errors.