THE ADONIS BLUE 
233 
Tutt., which has the spots on the under surface absent, except 
for the discoidal spots, which are more or less defined ; ab. 
striata has the spots united and forming streaks. Between 
these two extreme aberrations every gradation of development 
in the spotting occurs. Various other types of aberration 
exist. They are examples more or less bleached, having one 
or more wings blotched or streaked, or wholly of a very light 
buff or whitish colour. True albinistic specimens have 
occurred, but are of great rarity ; also melanic examples are 
also of very rare occurrence. Gynandromorphism, more or 
less complete, occasionally occurs. Individuals vary greatly 
in size, ranging from 25 mm. to 43 mm. ; the smaller specimens, 
ab. minor , are to be found in various localities. 
Genus LYSANDRA, Hemming , 1933 
THE ADONIS BLUE 
Lysandra bellargus (Rott., 1775). 
(Plate XXI, facing page 240) 
This strikingly brilliant Blue frequently occurs on the same 
ground as its ally the Chalkhill Blue, owing to the Horse¬ 
shoe Vetch (Hippocrepis comosa) being the natural food plant 
of the larvae of both species. 
Haunts and Distribution. In habits, manner of flight and 
practice of frequenting the same localities, the two species 
bear a close resemblance, but the Adonis Blue is more locally 
distributed, although usually very abundant in its chief 
haunts, which are the chalk and limestone hills of Kent, Surrey 
and Sussex. It also occurs in more or less abundance in 
Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Devonshire, Dorsetshire, 
Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire, Somer¬ 
setshire, Wiltshire and the Isle of Wight. In some of these 
localities, it has become rare. It only occurs in the southern 
counties, Bedford and Oxford being its northern limit. Abroad 
its range extends over Central and Southern Europe, Northern 
Africa, and Western Asia. 
Time of Appearance. Unlike L. coridon, the Adonis Blue 
