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Is this male Common Blue an ab? The reddish mark appears to be on the opposite wing as well. I photographed him this afternoon in the Forest of Dean.

I suspect not (but others may disagree). He's young and fresh but has already been in the wars a bit, judging by the broken antenna. I think something symmetrically removed the scales there - perhaps something viscous that landed on the wings (a drop of honeydew?), or perhaps physical contact with something, causing symmetrical damage by flapping.

Let's hope the females find him no less attractive for that!

Guy

Ok. Thanks for the explanation. Very interesting. Yes let's hope he still "scores" with the girls!