MAZARINE BLUE. 153 



THE MAZAKIKE BLUE. (Polyommatm Acis.) 

 (Plate XIII. fig. 5, Male ; 5 a, Female.) 



Colouring : Upper side, male, deep purple, or maza- 

 rine blue, with a border of black (fig. 5) ; female, dark 

 brown (fig. 5 a). Under sides of both, sexes similar, 

 pale greyish drab, tinged at the base with greenish blue, 

 numerous black spots in white rings. No red spots. 



Though this elegant butterfly was frequently met 

 with some years ago, it has lately become one of our 

 rarest species, and I can give no locality where it can 

 be now found. It has been reported as taken lately at 

 Yentnor, Isle of Wight, and somewhere in South Wales, 

 also in other places, but only singly. 



Collectors, on visiting any new district, should net 

 all the Blues they are not quite sure are common 

 ones, and this may perchance turn up among them 

 sometimes. 



The caterpillar is said to feed on the flower heads of 

 common Thrift (Armeria vulgaris). 



The butterfly may be looked for in July. 



