SALTWELLS local nature reserve

Holly Blue

 

The first of the blue butterflies on the wing, usually emerging in early April.

 

Can be confused with the common blue but a good view of the underside will confirm identification - the holly blue has a distinctive pale underwing spotted lightly with black and silver, but with no trace of orange.

 

Wingspan: 26-34mm

On the wing: late March to mid September

Foodplant: holly (first brood) and ivy (second brood)

 

2015 - earliest sighting 17 April