Fritillaries and Blues

[wavelea1]

Pete, Guy and JKT

Help required from the experts please. Are the attached the Weaver's Fritillary and a Holly Blue - the underwing markings on the blue don't match up with my books???

Apologies for the pic quality and 'pixelation' - both were taken at distance they were far two active to allow us near.

Mike

[Padfield]

Hi Mike,

You're right with the Weaver's frit (or violet frit as I prefer to call it) and with the first blue, which is a male holly. But the second blue is a Provençal short-tailed blue, Everes (Cupido) alcetas. They can't be the same insect!

Guy

PS - Where were the pictures taken (just so I can rule out Eastern short-tailed blue)?

[wavelea1]

Me again....

Three of these could be the Little Blue and given the underside markings although the browner one is clearly a different insect. I suspect the other is either a Common Blue or a Chapman's Blue - if it is a Common is it in the form 'icarinus'????
I'm using 'Butterflies of Europe' a a guide - have you noticed that the Small Blue doesn't feature - is it called something else in Europe?
Thanks again for your help with this.

Mike

[Padfield]

The first one looks like Chapman's blue (Agrodiaetus thersites) to me, but I would retain an option on common blue, without having a chance to see the upperside.

The others show female mazarine blue. Oh, and as if to confirm this, note the plant she is laying on!!

Guy

PS - to the best of my knowledge, little blues (small blues!) will only lay on kidney vetch.

[Pete Eeles]

Not sure about the first blue - but would guess Common.

The others look like a female Mazarine Blue to me.

Small Blue is called "Little Blue" in Lafranchis. In Europe it's called "Cupido minimus"

Cheers,

- Pete

[wavelea1]

Thanks guys

I would never have placed the Mazarine. There are a few more pics which I haven't yet placed so please keep watching. I am extremely grateful - what do others do without this type of support? - Guess!

Mike