πŸ¦‹ Butterflies & Moths

Holly Blue

Celastrina argiolus

About Holly Blue

Pale silvery-blue butterfly with small black dots on the underside. Alternates between holly and ivy as host plants between spring and summer broods.

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Did You Know?

Population numbers cycle dramatically every few years due to a parasitic wasp that tracks its abundance.

How to Identify Holly Blue

Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Lycaenidae. Adults typically measure 26-34 mm wingspan.

Holly Blue Habitat

Holly Blue is found in underground habitats, particularly across Europe, North Africa, Asia, North America. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Holly Blue Diet and Feeding

Holly Blue feeds primarily on nectar from flowers. In doing so, it acts as an important pollinator, transferring pollen between plants and contributing to plant reproduction and biodiversity.

Where Is Holly Blue Found?

Holly Blue can be found in Europe, North Africa, Asia, North America, where it inhabits underground environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Holly Blue can be found

Is Holly Blue Dangerous?

Holly Blue is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.

Holly Blue Role in Nature

Holly Blue plays an important role as a pollinator. By visiting flowers to feed on nectar or pollen, it transfers pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction and helping to maintain plant diversity. Pollinators are essential for the production of many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.

Seasonal Activity

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Holly Blue

What does Holly Blue look like?

The Holly Blue typically measures 26-34 mm wingspan.

Where is Holly Blue found?

The Holly Blue is found in Europe, North Africa, Asia, North America and typically inhabits underground environments.

What does Holly Blue eat?

The Holly Blue feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.

Is Holly Blue dangerous to humans?

The Holly Blue is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.

What is an interesting fact about Holly Blue?

Population numbers cycle dramatically every few years due to a parasitic wasp that tracks its abundance.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/holly-blue

MLA:
"Holly Blue." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/holly-blue.