Tarucus balkanicus

English name:
Little Tiger Blue
Full scientific name:
Tarucus balkanicus (Freyer, 1844)
Croatian name:
Balkanski tigrasti plavac

Red Book Category in EU: LC

Red Book Category in Croatia: NE

Wings span: 17-20 mm

Tarucus balkanicus, Zagora, 0521L7842
Tarucus balkanicus, Zagora, 0521L7842
Tarucus balkanicus, Zagora, 0521L7842
Tarucus balkanicus, Zagora, 0521L7842

Flight Period and Life Cycle

Flight period of Tarucus balkanicus in Croatia
Flight period of Tarucus balkanicus in Croatia

2 broods per year.

Distribution in Croatia

Distribution of Tarucus balkanicus in Croatia
Distribution of Tarucus balkanicus in Croatia

More common in the coastal area. Check the included map.

External Morphology Characteristics

There is a long tail on the hindwing. The upper side of both wings is blue in males and a bit more greyish in females. The tiger stripes on the underside of the wings are distinctive. In the submarginal zone of the hindwing there is a series of dark spots with a silver glare. This is one of our smallest butterflies.

Behavior

More active in the morning. It is common on moist soil.

Caterpillar Host Plants

Family Rhamnaceae.

Habitat

Dry and warm grassland with bushes. Elevations: 0-400m.

Gallery

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