Lycaenidae: Lycaeninae

07112 Large Blue Maculinea arion, (Linnaeus, 1758)

BF1581 (ABH61.013)

Kotel, near Sliven. 17th June 2018. Male.
Kotel, near Sliven. 17th June 2018. Male.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Kotel, near Sliven. 17th June 2018. Male.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
 2010-2016
 2017
 2018
 2019
Satovcha, Western Rhodopi Mtns., 2nd July 2006, male.
Satovcha, Western Rhodopi Mtns., 2nd July 2006, male.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Satovcha, Western Rhodopi Mtns., July 2006.
Satovcha, Western Rhodopi Mtns., July 2006.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Bachkovo, Asenovgrad, 18th July 2010.
Bachkovo, Asenovgrad, 18th July 2010.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Tsarvaritsa (Kyustendil Province), 14th June 2016. Male.
Tsarvaritsa (Kyustendil Province), 14th June 2016. Male.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Bansko, Pirin Mtns., 12th July 2013. Female ovipositing on Marjoram (Oreganum vulgare)
Bansko, Pirin Mtns., 12th July 2013. Female ovipositing on Marjoram (Oreganum vulgare)
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

Widespread in Bulgaria, especially frequent on calcareous terrain.

 

Overwinters as Overwinters as a larva.

Wingspan: M: 38-48mm, F: 42-52mm
Foodplant(s): Wild Thyme (flowerheads) (Thymus polytrichus), Marjoram (flowerheads) (Oreganum vulgare)
Flying: One generation, early June-mid July
UK Presence: Resident
National status:

Habitat

Unimproved grassland. Occurs in appreciably longer herbaceaous vegetation than in the UK and northern Europe, as the warmer climate means that the microclimate is warmer in taller vegetation, presumably providing suitable conditions for the host ants. 

Regional Information

Recorded in 43 (2.3%) of the 1900 10km squares of Bulgaria.

Last recorded in June 2018

Recorded date range (Adult): 13 June to 09 August



Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Smooth
Colours:
Yellow, brown, white