About Large Blue
A blue butterfly with distinctive black spots that has one of the most complex life cycles in the insect world. It was declared extinct in Britain in 1979 but has been successfully reintroduced.
Did You Know?
Caterpillars trick ants into carrying them into their nests, where they feed on ant larvae for ten months.
How to Identify Large Blue
Large Blue (Phengaris arion) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Lycaenidae. Adults typically measure 38-52 mm wingspan.
Large Blue Habitat
Large Blue is found in grasslands habitats, particularly across Europe, temperate Asia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Large Blue Diet and Feeding
Large Blue has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter. This dietary flexibility allows it to exploit a wide range of food sources in its environment.
Where Is Large Blue Found?
Large Blue can be found in Europe, temperate Asia, where it inhabits grasslands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Large Blue can be found
Is Large Blue Dangerous?
Large 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.
Large Blue Role in Nature
Large Blue plays a role in its ecosystem as part of the food web, serving as both consumer and prey. Insects like Large Blue are a vital food source for birds, bats, and other wildlife, and contribute to the overall health and balance of their environment.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Large Blue
What does Large Blue look like?
The Large Blue typically measures 38-52 mm wingspan.
Where is Large Blue found?
The Large Blue is found in Europe, temperate Asia and typically inhabits grasslands environments.
What does Large Blue eat?
The Large Blue has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter.
Is Large Blue dangerous to humans?
The Large Blue is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
Is Large Blue endangered?
The Large Blue is currently classified as Near Threatened by conservation assessments. Habitat loss and environmental changes are among the primary threats to its population.
What is an interesting fact about Large Blue?
Caterpillars trick ants into carrying them into their nests, where they feed on ant larvae for ten months.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Large Blue (Phengaris arion). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/large-blue
MLA:
"Large Blue." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/large-blue.