Sierra Nevada blue facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sierra Nevada blue |
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Polyommatus
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P. golgus
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| Polyommatus golgus (Hübner, 1813)
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The Sierra Nevada blue (scientific name: Polyommatus golgus) is a special type of butterfly. It belongs to the Lycaenidae family, which includes many small, colorful butterflies. This butterfly is found only in Spain, making it an endemic species.
You can find the Sierra Nevada blue butterfly in the Sierra Nevada mountains. These mountains are located in the Andalusia region of Spain, specifically in the Granada and Almería provinces. Sadly, this beautiful butterfly is an endangered species, meaning it is at risk of disappearing forever.
Contents
What the Sierra Nevada Blue Butterfly Looks Like
The Sierra Nevada blue is a small butterfly. Its front wings are usually about 11 to 16 millimeters long. This is roughly the size of a small coin.
Differences Between Males and Females
Male and female Sierra Nevada blue butterflies look quite different. This is called sexual dimorphism.
- Males: The top side of a male's wings is a bright blue or light sky blue color.
- Females: The top side of a female's wings is brown. They have a line of large orange spots near the edge of their wings.
Both male and female butterflies have white fringes along the edges of their wings.
Underside of the Wings
The underside of their wings is a light tan or brownish-grey color. It has a line of white, crescent-shaped marks near the edge. These marks often have a small black dot in the center and are lightly surrounded by orange.
The male's front wing on the underside has six to seven spots. The hind wing (back wing) on the underside has about eleven to thirteen spots. These spots include some near the base, one in the middle, and several near the edge. The spot in the middle is shaped like a triangle and is mostly white. The orange crescent marks near the edge can vary in number and size. There are also small black spots along the very edge of the wings.
Life and Habitat of the Sierra Nevada Blue
The Sierra Nevada blue butterfly has a specific diet and lives in certain places.
What the Larva Eats
The young form of the butterfly, called a larva or caterpillar, feeds on a plant known as Anthyllis vulneraria pseudoarundana. This plant is very important for the butterfly's survival.
Where They Live
These butterflies prefer to fly on dry, open slopes. These areas have only a few plants growing. They live at very high altitudes, usually between 2,500 and 3,200 meters above sea level. This high-altitude habitat is unique to the Sierra Nevada mountains.
See also
In Spanish: Polyommatus golgus para niños
