Holly Blue, Celastrina argiolus Family: Lycaenidae

1580     *     Celastrina argiolus     *     Holly Blue


Common and widespread but numbers fluctuate due to the parasitic ichneumon wasp Listrodomus nycthemerus

Wingspan: 35mm
Flight time: Two generations March-June and July-September
Habitat: Urban and rural areas where foodplants occur

Larvae feed on the flower buds of Holly (Ilex) in spring and on the flower buds and berries of Ivy (Hedera) in late summer and autumn


Holly Blue, Celastrina argiolus


Holly Blue, Celastrina argiolus


Holly Blue, Celastrina argiolus, larva
Holly Blue, Celastrina argiolus
Larva: September 2014

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