Butterfly Hat Trick!

[Chipchopper]

I'm only a keen armature regarding butterflies but this year I've noticed a wider range of species albeit in fewer numbers.
Tonight a neighbor called me over to see a brilliant blue butterfly which was in his garden.
When it finally settled on a blob of bird poop on the path, I made some mental notes and then went straight to the internet to try to identify it.
After eliminating several similar species, I've now concluded that it was a HOLLY BLUE. This also checks out with the type of habitat and available food plants.
I have seen these before but its a first this year, for me.

[scooping]

We've seen two butterflies in the last two days that we couldn't readily identify. Both large. Great to see.

[Tilly2]

Well done, Chip. I don't think I've ever seen a Holly Blue.

[Chipchopper]

Scooping, if the details are still fresh in your mind, have a google on British butterflies, thats what I do. Its great to see something rare or for the first time.

[Chipchopper]

Tilly, the most brilliant blue imaginable!.
I thought it was an Adonis blue at first but the habitat and markings on the under-wing didn't quite match when I cross referenced it.

[scooping]

Chipchopper: Will do! I hope it doesn't sound too daft to say that I find something spiritual in them, diamonds on the breeze.

[Togo]

Nice one Chip. We have seen them before but not for a year or two. Iridescent blue.

https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=holly+blue+butterfly+images&qpvt=holly+blue+butterfly+images&;qpvt=holly+blue+butterfly+images&qpvt=holly+blue+butterfly+images&FORM=IGRE

[Togo]

//diamonds on the breeze.//

Liking that Scoop.

[Chipchopper]

Yes Scoop, "diamonds on the breeze" is a good description!
Amazing how the iridescent colours can appear so vivid in some species, yet so camouflaged in others.

Togo Thanks for the great link.
Keep ya peepers peeled!

[hereIam]

It's good to hear about these butterflies because every year I see less and less. My budleia is in full bloom now and it hasn't attracted one butterfly yet and only a few bees. I've seen a Common Blue, but never a Holly Blue, very envious.