Silver-studded Blues in Cop.
A pair of Silver-studded Blue butterflies (Plebejus argus) mating. Photographed at Pendeen Sands in Cornwall, England.
This butterfly has suffered severe reduction in its range in the UK due to habitat destruction. These butterflies are incredibly small, with a wingspan measuring about 2.5cm. About the size of your thumbnail.
The larvae have a close relationship with ants and produce a honeydew-like liquid to feed them. In return the ants will protect the larvae from predators. Eggs are laid on or near the ground, often near Ants nests and pass through the winter hatching in the spring in late March or early April. Sometimes the pupae are actually taken into ants nests where they continue to secrete Honey Dew until the Butterfly emerges.
