Photo © Pete Eeles

Chalk Hill Blue

Polyommatus coridon

Checklist Number
61.020 [B&F: 1575]

Verification
Record will be accepted (subject to date and location checks)

Classification

Family:Lycaenidae
Subfamily:Polyommatinae
Genus:Polyommatus
Species:coridon
Authority:(Poda, 1761)

A rare Red Data Book species, on chalk downland, south-facing hillsides and quarries; 100-400 m (100-2200 m in Europe) in parts of southern England; mainland Europe, less numerous in the south-west. In Hampshire there are strong populations on Old Winchester Hill, Martin Down, Stockbridge Down and Portsdown Hill, and throughout the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 30-36 mm. Larva feeds on Horseshoe Vetch.