- The
Holly Blue is essentially a southern species in Cumbria but
there is no real reason why it should not turn up further
north in the county. Indeed, in recent years it has been increasingly
reported from the Carlisle area. It is a species which seems
to be found most easily at old established sites, such as
churchyards, gardens with mature trees and old woods.
- It
is the first blue butterfly to be on the wing in the spring, from
early April, but only for three weeks or so. At this time it is most
likely to be found around Holly trees.
- The
second brood puts in an appearance about the second week of August
but is more likely to be found around Ivy at this time of the year.
The adults don't seem to be about for more than a couple of weeks
at this time of year.
- Good
weather in September is needed, as the egg must hatch and the larvae
develop fully in a month or so, to spend the winter in the chrysalis
stage.
- Both
sexes have a light blue underside, speckled with black. Females are
delightful, with a lovely intense lilac-blue when fresh with contrasting
black wing tips - the black is usually more extensive in the second
brood.
- Numbers
of Holly Blues fluctuate from year to year, being higher the year
following a good summer, but can be reduced by attacks on their caterpillars
of a small parasitic wasp, which has no other host than the Holly
Blue.
|
