Cupido osiris ¦ Osiris Blue ¦ euroButterflies

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Cupido osiris

Osiris Blue

euroButterflies

by Matt Rowlings

Var, France, May 2004

Male.

Var, France, May 2004

Female.

Field notes and information

Rather local and usually uncommon. It very closely resembles the small blue C. minimus but the male has bright blue uppersides which immediately separates the species.

Identification & Similar species: In its range, only the small blue C. minimus is similar. The blue of the male upperside separates the species.

Distribution & Flight: Sporadic in Spain, south France, Italy, west Switzerland and the Balkans north to Austria. One or two broods in spring or spring and summer, although I've generally found them in May/ June only occasionally in the mountains in July.

Habitat & Behaviour: Flowery grassy places often amongst scrub. Usually dry or sunny locations. They have a distinct habit of landing on the flower spikes of Sainfoin food plants (Onobrychis sp), turning to face head down in the hotter parts of the day where they rest for long periods without movement and with their wings firmly shut. Females very discrete and are relatively little seen compared to the males.