Two types of blue butterfly have been seen here, Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus) and Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus).
We have only seen a Holly Blue once. That was on mature ivy adjacent to Bank Hall Drive in late summer.
Common Blue have only been seen a few times on the Wildlife Site, Field 2, and in the wildflower meadow at Downlee Lodge. The upper side of the male's wing is striking blue and the underside is very colourful, unlike the underside of the Holly Blue, which was uniformly pale with small black spots.
Photographs of Blue Butterflies
Click on the photograph for larger images and captions.
Further Information
For further information on the species in this group, please click the links below:
Holly Blue Common Blue
