Fauna Flora Photography

European Common Blue Polyommattus icarus

A small butterfly species with intense blue color on the back of the wings and beautiful pattern on the lower side of the wings, It is an European species introduced in the Mirabel Airport region and now frequently observed in Montreal and surrounding area.

Specs

Length2-3cm
Weight0.2-0.3g

Common Names

GermanHauhechel-Bläuling
EnglishEuropean Common Blue
FrenchArgus bleu
SpanishMariposa ícaro

Taxonomy

OrderLepidoptera
FamilyLycaenidae
SpeciesPolyommattus icarus

How to Identify

There are similar species with the intense blue color of the wing, endemic to the region. I identify this species based on the pattern of black and orange spots on the underside of the wings.

European Common Blue (Polyommattus icarus) - Jardin Botanique de Montréal - 2022-09-05
European Common Blue (Polyommattus icarus) - Parc des Rapides - 2018-09-22
European Common Blue (Polyommattus icarus) - Champ des Possibles - 2015-09-26

Where and When to Spot

I have been able to spot this species in different parks in Montreal. Usually late summer, early autumn.

SpringSummerFallWinter
Belvédère Outremont - x - -
Jardin Botanique de Montréal - x - -
Parc Angrignon - x - -

Where and when a species has been observed, identified, and recorded.

Last updated on 2023-12-15. Written and regularly updated by Karl-Heinz Müller, Dipl. Natw. ETH, Biology. With 10 years of experience in wildlife photography, Karl-Heinz shares first-hand, on-site collected observations, photos and videos from his frequent visits to parks in the Montreal area.