Species profile
About this species
Amanda's Blue is a medium-sized butterfly belonging to the family Lycaenidae, found across Europe & central Asia. The male displays striking bright blue upperwings with a thin dark border, while the female is predominantly brown with orange submarginal spots. The undersides of both sexes are pale grey-brown with a pattern of black spots & orange markings near the wing margins.
Amanda's Blue favours open, flower-rich grasslands, meadows & hillsides where its larval foodplants - particularly tufted vetch (Vicia cracca) & other Vicia species - grow in abundance. It is typically found at low to moderate altitudes across continental Europe & into temperate Asia.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Amanda's 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 May through July is the primary flight period, with a single brood per year. Mid-morning on warm, sunny days offers the best opportunity as individuals are active & settled on vegetation before the heat of midday makes them more erratic in flight.
Photograph males during sunny spells when they bask with wings open on low vegetation, allowing clear shots of their vivid blue colouration. Focus on flower-rich grassland areas where adults feed on vetches & other wildflowers, as these provide natural & attractive backgrounds. Use a macro lens with a focal length of 100mm or greater to achieve frame-filling shots while maintaining enough distance to avoid disturbing the butterfly.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Amanda's 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.