Val d'Aran, July 2005

Val d'Aran, July 2005

Val d'Aran, July 2005

Male, Val d'Aran

Male underside, Val d'Aran

With Escher's Blue in the Val d'Aran

Female, Val d'Aran

Male, Norway

Amanda's blue is a mountain butterfly in the south, common in some parts of the Pyrenees and Alps, and found at much lower levels in the north. It is easily identified, though rarely looks like the pictures in the books! The underside is characteristic, having far less orange than related species, and the variable appearance of the male upperside, with a broad dark border when viewed from some angles, is also unmistakeable. It is large by comparison with most blues and is particularly fond of settling on sweaty clothes, backpacks or limbs to take advantage of the mineral salts! Because of its constant attendance on my person and personal belongings it has become something of a favourite butterfly for me over the years.