The Common Blue butterfly (polyommatus icarus) was introduced to eastern Canada just over fifteen years ago. It was first identified in Mirabel, Quebec. I saw my first one seven years ago in St-Laurent and it was quite a puzzle to me because I could not find it in any of my field guides. Finally, thanks to the Internet, I was able to identify it as the European Common Blue.
I am very fond of this little butterfly. It is amazingly strong and resilient and I even saw several today (October 24)! It is also one of the most "amorous" species I have ever found. They literally mate all season long. :-)
The males are a beautiful shade of blue, and under the right lighting conditions, seem to glow like a jewel. The females exhibit their own beauty - shades of brown dusted in blue with orange crescent marks. Both sexes have colorful undersides of their wings. Even their striped legs and antennae are striking!
Here is a selection of "blues" from the neighbourhood:
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Beautiful photos Doris! How interesting that the undersides have such an elaborate pattern while the tops have a more solid colour.
ReplyDeleteThanks Didee. I found the same thing. I usually prefer to photograph the upper sides but these butterflies are beautiful all over! :-)
DeleteInteresting post and lovely pictures. I see these occasionally, and usually get confused when I don't see the blue topsides. xx
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind comment Flighty. I'm glad you see them too. They certainly are spectacular for such tiny beings. :-)
DeleteWhere are they from if they thrive in this climate?
ReplyDeleteFrom what I can gather, they are from the UK. Pretty tough little guys!
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