Chalk-hill Blue
Lysandra coridon
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chalkhill_blue
Overview
The chalkhill blue is a butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It is a small butterfly that can be found throughout the Palearctic realm, where it occurs primarily in grasslands rich in chalk. Males have a pale blue colour, while females are brown. Both have chequered fringes around their wings.
The Chalk-hill Blue butterfly faces significant population declines across its range due to habitat loss and degradation of its specialized calcareous grassland ecosystems. Climate change and agricultural intensification have reduced the availability of suitable breeding sites and host plants, while habitat fragmentation has isolated remaining populations and reduced genetic diversity.
Habitat
Chalk-hill Blue butterflies inhabit short, flower-rich calcareous grasslands, chalk downs, and limestone hillsides typically between 50-800m elevation. They require areas with their primary host plant, horseshoe vetch (Hippocrepis comosa), and depend on traditional extensive grazing management to maintain suitable habitat conditions.
Other threatened species in Lycaenidae
Threatened in Albania
Frequently asked questions
Why is Chalk-hill Blue classified as Vulnerable?
Where does Chalk-hill Blue live?
What are the main threats to Chalk-hill Blue?
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