Polyommatus damon

English name:
Damon Blue
Full scientific name:
Polyommatus damon (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775)
Croatian name:
Planinski sivorubi plavac

Red Book Category in EU: NT

Red Book Category in Croatia: VU

Wings span: 25-35 mm

Damon Blue, male, Kamešnica, 0721L7761
Polyommatus damon, male, Kamešnica, 0721L7761
Damon Blue, male, Kamešnica, 0721L7761
Polyommatus damon, male, Kamešnica, 0721L7761

Flight Period and Life Cycle

Flight period of Damon Blue in Croatia
Flight period of Polyommatus damon in Croatia

1 brood per year.

Distribution in Croatia

Distribution of Damon Blue in Croatia
Distribution of Polyommatus damon in Croatia

Mountains and hills of the coastal area. Check the included map.

External Morphology Characteristics

In males, the upper side of both wings is blue with a gradual dark border. In females, the upper side of both wings is brown. In both sexes, there is a series of dark spots on the underside of both wings. The spots on the forewing are more prominent. There is a long white streak on the hindwing. Females are similar to Polyommatus ripartii. In young individuals, it is easier to see the difference. Polyommatus damon has a bright grey-white margin of the wings. The margin of Polyommatus ripartii has a brown shade. Furhermore, many Polyommatus ripartii individuals have a series of pale orange spots in the marginal zone on the underside of both wings.

Behavior

Imago often feeds on eryngo nectar. In dry and hot weather, it is common on moist soil.

Caterpillar Host Plants

Family legume (Fabaceae).

Habitat

Prefers dry and hot meadows in rocky areas with bushes. Elevations: 400-1400m.

Gallery

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