Plebejus argus (Linnaeus, 1758), family Lycaenidae

Like the large blue (Maculinea arion), the silver-studded blue butterfly has a complex and fascinating life-cycle. After hatching, the larvae feed on young heather (Calluna vulgaris) and gorse (Ulex europaeus) but are later taken down into the nests of black heathland ants of the species Lasius alienus or L. niger. Having pupated in the ant nest, the emerging adults fly over only short distances.

Colonies of the butterfly are localised on immature dry to wet heathland; an environment which suits both the butterflies and the ants. It is also found in similar conditions in Dorset's calcareous grasslands, especially the limestone grasslands of the Isle of Portland.

The Silver-Studded Blue has undergone a severe decline in the UK, estimated at 80%, during the 20th century. It has become extinct in Scotland, northern, most of central and south-eastern England. It is now widespread only on the heathlands of Dorset and Hampshire with strong populations in North Wales.

The species occurs throughout Europe excepting Scandinavia where it occupies a wide range of habitats including Alpine Grassland, meadows, forest clearings, and scrubland. It is declining in Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands.

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Protection

Several factors contribute to the decline of the species including the loss of heathland to development and agriculture, fragmentation and isolation of heathland habitats and the loss of traditional and inappropriate modern management of heathlands and grasslands. Locally, increased quarrying, particularly on the Isle of Portland, threatens the species.

Classified in the UK as Nationally Scarce, the Silver-Studded Blue is protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 only with respect to sale.

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Classification

kingdom	Animalia
phylum	Arthropoda
class	Insecta
order	Lepidoptera
family	Lycaenidae
genus	Plebejus
species	Plebejus argus

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Associated Species

Gorse (Ulex europaeus)
Heather (Calluna vulgaris)

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Links to Other Sites . . . . . the inclusion of these links to other sites is for the interest and convenience of visitors to this site only and does not imply any endorsement of the products or services offered by the individuals or organisations involved nor the accuracy of the information contained therein . . . . . Action plan for Plebejus argus UK Biodiversity Plebejus argus Paolo Mazzei, Diego Reggianti, Ilaria Pimpinelli (lots of pics)

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