Lanzarote - small blue ID help please (1 Viewer)

[Richg32]

Hi - I have very limited knowledge of butterflies (more of a birder), but found this wonderful little butterfly right on the coast at Playa Blanca, in sparse scrub and sand. Approx 2cm wingspan?
I received some very helpful input from @Jos Stratford but couldn't find a way to attach photos to a message conversation, hence the post here.
After doing some research, I thought either Lang's Leptotes pirithous or African Grass Blue Zizeeria knysna but neither were a good fit. Jos (without seeing a photo) also suggested Long-tailed blue Lampides boeticus as a possiblity.
However - after doing some more research today, I'm now thinking this is Polyommatus amandus? Is this found in the Canary Islands?
Be grateful for some expert guidance - thanks.

 

[david kelly]

Hi - I have very limited knowledge of butterflies (more of a birder), but found this wonderful little butterfly right on the coast at Playa Blanca, in sparse scrub and sand. Approx 2cm wingspan?
I received some very helpful input from @Jos Stratford but couldn't find a way to attach photos to a message conversation, hence the post here.
After doing some research, I thought either Lang's Leptotes pirithous or African Grass Blue Zizeeria knysna but neither were a good fit. Jos (without seeing a photo) also suggested Long-tailed blue Lampides boeticus as a possiblity.
However - after doing some more research today, I'm now thinking this is Polyommatus amandus? Is this found in the Canary Islands?
Be grateful for some expert guidance - thanks.

Polyommatus amandus is one of the larger species of blue and is not found south of Iberia. I can’t give you a suggestion as to its correct identification.

David

 

[Owene]

Looks common blue to me

 

[aeshna5]

Southern Blue, P. celina there rather than very similar Common Blue.

 

[Jos Stratford]

Agreed, Southern Blue. In the Canary Islands, this species is only on the eastern islands I believe, chiefly Lanzarote.

Amanda's Blue can be ruled out on two grounds - it is very much a midsummer butterfly (+/- late May - July), thus wouldn't be flying now. Plus I don't think it has been recorded in the Canary Islands.

 

[Richg32]

Thanks all for your collective wisdom