Higgins's anomalous blue facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Higgins's anomalous blue |
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| Scientific classification | |
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Polyommatus
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| Species: |
nephohiptamenos
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| Location of area of occupancy | |
The Polyommatus nephohiptamenos, also known as Higgins's anomalous blue, is a type of butterfly. It belongs to the Lycaenidae family, which includes many small butterflies. This butterfly was first described by scientists J. Brown and John G. Coutsis in 1978. It is currently listed as a near threatened species, meaning it could become endangered in the future.
About This Butterfly
The Higgins's anomalous blue butterfly is part of the Lycaenidae family. It was first identified in 1978. For a while, scientists thought it might just be a different version of another butterfly, Polyommatus ripartii (Ripart's anomalous blue).
However, in 2016, new research confirmed it is its own unique species. Scientists looked at its DNA and also how it lives in its environment. They found clear differences. For example, the male Higgins's anomalous blue has whiter fringes (the edges of its wings) compared to P. ripartii.
Where it Lives
This butterfly is only found in Europe. It lives in the mountains of northern Greece and sometimes in southern Bulgaria. It prefers a small area at high altitudes in the Phalakron Massif, which is a mountain range in Greece and Bulgaria.
It has been seen on Mount Pangeon and Mount Phalakro in Greece. It also lives on Mount Orvilos, which is on the border between Greece and Bulgaria. In Bulgaria, it has been found on Mount Alibotush and Kitka Planina. This butterfly lives in very specific spots. It is likely found in fewer than 10 places, covering an area smaller than 100 square kilometres (39 sq mi). It usually lives above the tree line, mostly between 1,500 to 2,000 metres (4,900 to 6,600 ft) high. It likes calcareous grasslands, which are grassy areas with lots of flowers and chalky soil.
Life Cycle
The Higgins's anomalous blue butterfly has one generation each year. This means it completes its full life cycle from egg to adult butterfly once a year.
The caterpillars of this butterfly eat a specific plant called perennial sainfoin (Onobrychis montana ssp. scardica). This plant only grows in the Balkans. The caterpillars are very small when they go into hibernation for the winter. In the spring, they wake up and start eating the fresh new leaves of the sainfoin plant. The adult butterflies fly around in mid-July and August.
This butterfly faces some threats. Things like too much grazing by animals, land being left unused, and wildfires can harm its habitat. Because of these dangers, it is listed as near threatened on the IUCN Red List.
