AZURE BLUE. 151 



Several species of this genus are often found toge- 

 ther. For example, in the Isle of Wight, last August, 

 I took P. Argiolus, Cory don, Adonis, Alexis, and Agestis, 

 all within about one hour, and a space of a few yards 

 square in the corner of a field. 



THE AZUEE BLUE BUTTEKFLY. 



(Polyommatus Argiolus.) 

 (Plate XIII. fig. 3, Male; 3 a, Female.) 



Colouring: Upper side, beautiful lilac blue the 

 male with a narrow black border (fig. 3), the female with 

 a broad one, sometimes extending over the outer half of 

 the wing (fig. 3 a). Under side, very delicate silvery 

 blue, almost white, with numerous small black spots. 

 No red spots. 



Caterpillar, green, with darker line on back. Feeds 

 on the flowers of holly, ivy, and buckthorn. 



The butterfly appears in May, or sometimes in April, 

 and again in August, frequenting woods and hedges, 

 especially where holly and ivy abound. I noticed im- 

 mense numbers about the ivied walls of Chepstow 

 Castle. 



As the name " Azure Blue " is in general use, I have 

 retained it above, but that of " Holly Blue," sometimes 



