How do they look? Butterflies of this family are small, with a wingspan ranging from 25 to 30 mm. Their wings are predominantly dark or brightly colored, mainly shades of blue, green, violet, or orange-red. The upper surface is often vivid with colorful eye-shaped spots.

To identify the species within the Lycaenidae family, it is typically necessary to examine both sides of the wings, and species identification is often more certain based on the underside of the wings.

Where do they live?

These insects can be found in meadows, forest edges, marshes, and along road verges.

What do they eat?

Adult specimens are pollinators and feed on flower nectar. They are particularly attracted to flowering plants such as thistles, clovers, daisies, wild carrot, field scabious, and other blooms.

Interesting and important facts

There are six species of blue butterflies in Latvia: common blue, chalkhill blue, Adonis blue, silver-studded blue, brown argus, and mazarine blue. The most commonly observed in Latvian meadows is common blue.

Information sources: https://www.latvijasdaba.lv, Wikipedia, Kreslina L. ‘Insects in Latvia’

Photo: pixabay.com, redzet.eu