Silver-studded Blue
Plebejus argusThe Silver-studded Blue is a tiny, shimmering butterfly of heathlands, chalk and limestone grasslands, and coastal dunes. Males gleam with metallic blue wings, while females are rich brown with hints of blue, and both display silvery spots on their undersides. They stay close to home, rarely venturing far from their colony. Like many blue butterflies, they rely on ants for protection. Despite their beauty and charm, their range has declined significantly and they are now considered vulnerable in the UK.
A glinting blue beauty in heathlands, dunes and grasslands
The Silver-studded Blue is a tiny jewel of a butterfly with silvery-blue spots on its underwings that glint in the light as it flits low to the ground.
They enjoy sheltered, sunny areas and don’t like to travel. Like other blue species, they enjoy a productive relationship with ants, who their caterpillars bribe with a honey-like secretion in exchange for protection.
They tend to pupate inside ant nests, under rocks and in other crevices or holes – this may help to keep them safe from the wild fires that sometimes rage on their patch.
A social butterfly, they appear in large numbers and like to roost together at night. They have sadly undergone a considerable decline in their range and are now a vulnerable species in the UK. They’re a rare spot, but a rare beauty, too.
Vibes
Each butterfly is scored out of 100 across a set of traits, from how bold and visible it is to how far it travels or how particular it is about where it lives. These scores compare each species with the other butterflies in Britain, helping you see their differences at a glance. Here’s what makes the Silver-studded Blue special.
Bright colours, bold patterns, and a love of the spotlight. Some butterflies just can’t help showing off.
Fast, or throwing some seriously impressive moves, these butterflies are in a flutter.
Always on guard, ready to hide or defend - these butterflies have self-preservation down to an art.
It’s ok to be a little… well, weird. These butterflies have been certified with the freak factor.
Like Goldilocks, everything has to be just right for these perfectionists.
Hard to spot and even harder to forget, these butterflies are a true one of a kind.
Bold, curious, and ready to explore, these brave butterflies live for the thrill and aren’t afraid to travel.
Weather-resistant, battle-hardened, and built to survive, these butterflies know how to take it on the wing.
Silver-studded Blues often pupate inside ant nests, gaining protection from predators and even habitat fires.
Test your knowledge
What do Silver-studded Blue caterpillars offer ants in return for protection?Silver-studded Blue caterpillars produce a sugary liquid that ants feed on in return for protection.
Does the Silver-studded Blue get your vote?