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Polyommatus icarus, common blue
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Polyommatus icarus, common blue
Photograph of a mounted specimen of the common blue, highly magnified scales from the hindwing underside of the female butterfly
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Media ID 8582445
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10710986
Arthropod Arthropoda Butterflies Butterfly Cream Gossamer Winged Butterfly Hexapod Hexapoda Insecta Lepidoptera Lepidopteran Lycaenid Lycaenidae Polyommatus Scale Wing Common Blue Invertebrata Polyommatus Icarus
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This photograph showcases a mounted specimen of the Common Blue butterfly, Polyommatus icarus, with a detailed close-up of the intricately patterned scales on the hindwing underside of the female. The delicate wings, adorned with an array of orange, cream, and brown hues, are a testament to the beauty and complexity of the insect world. As part of the Lycaenidae family, commonly known as gossamer-winged butterflies, the Common Blue is a small, agile insect found in Europe, North Africa, and Asia. The scales on the wings of this species play a crucial role in their survival, providing both camouflage and protection from predators. The Common Blue's intricate scales, visible in this image, are a marvel of nature. Each scale is an individual entity, composed of chitin, the same material that forms the exoskeleton of all arthropods. The scales are covered in tiny microscopic hairs, which give the wings their shimmering appearance and help to diffuse light, enhancing the butterfly's ability to blend in with its surroundings. The Common Blue's lifecycle is a fascinating one, with four distinct stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult. The adult butterflies feed on nectar from a variety of flowers, while the caterpillars primarily feed on the leaves of red clover and other legumes. This photograph serves as a reminder of the intricacy and beauty of the natural world, inviting us to appreciate the wonders that exist in the smallest of creatures. The Common Blue butterfly, with its stunning scales and delicate wings, is a true masterpiece of the insect kingdom.
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