Species profile
About this species
The Adonis Blue is a strikingly beautiful butterfly native to chalk & limestone grasslands across Europe. The male displays an intense, vivid sky-blue colouration on its upperwings, while the female is predominantly brown with orange spots near the wing margins. This species has a close relationship with the horseshoe vetch plant, which serves as the sole larval foodplant.
Short chalk & limestone grasslands, particularly south-facing slopes with an abundance of horseshoe vetch, typically found in southern England & across much of continental Europe.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Adonis Blue with us in Bulgaria.
These departures are part of our Europe programme.
In the field, Pui Hang Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Late April to June for the first brood & late July to September for the second brood, with warm sunny days between 10am & 3pm producing the most active & visually striking subjects.
Photograph males basking in warm sunshine on short grass or flower heads during the middle of the day, when their brilliant blue colouration is most vibrant & well-lit. Use a macro lens to capture fine wing detail & the distinctive chequered wing fringe, getting as low as possible to achieve a pleasing background blur. Overcast conditions can be ideal for capturing perched individuals, as butterflies are less active & more likely to remain still for longer periods.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Adonis Blue
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.