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Egg-laying Alcon Blue (Phengaris alcon) ♀ A lucky find, since this species from the Lycaenidae family is very particular in its habitat needs and therefore rarely found. Like several related species, the larvae leave the food plant after reaching a certain growth stage and then trick certain species of ants to carry them to their brood chambers and feed them like their own (cuckoo strategy). Alcon Blue,Falter,Geotagged,Insekt,Italien,Italy,Phengaris alcon,Schmetterling,Summer,Tiere,butterfly,mariposa Click/tap to enlarge Country intro

Egg-laying Alcon Blue (Phengaris alcon) ♀

A lucky find, since this species from the Lycaenidae family is very particular in its habitat needs and therefore rarely found. Like several related species, the larvae leave the food plant after reaching a certain growth stage and then trick certain species of ants to carry them to their brood chambers and feed them like their own (cuckoo strategy).

    comments (1)

  1. View Ferdy Christant's profile
    Ferdy Christant
    Lion
    View Lion class
    Years ago saw a documentary documenting this strategy, was funny to see the young butterfly leave the ant nest: thanks for everything! Posted 11 months ago

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The Alcon Blue

"Phengaris alcon", more commonly known as Alcon Blue or Alcon Large Blue, is a butterfly of the Lycaenidae family and is found in Europe and Northern Asia. It can be seen flying in mid to late summer. Like some other species of Lycaenidae, its larva stage depends on support by certain ants; it is therefore known as a myrmecophile.

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Similar species: Moths And Butterflies
Species identified by pysailor
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By pysailor

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Uploaded Sep 22, 2024. Captured Jul 9, 2024 12:25 in 9624+VV Demonte, Province of Cuneo, Italy.
country flag of Italy Explore Italy 775 459 0
  • Canon EOS R5
  • f/9.0
  • 1/160s
  • ISO100
  • 100mm
Captured in the summer. More summer photos.