Large blue
Scientific name: Maculinea arion
Despite its name, the large blue is a fairly small butterfly, but the largest of our blues. It was declared extinct in 1979, but reintroduced in the 1980s and now survives in southern England.
Species information
Statistics
Wingspan: 3.8-5.2cmConservation status
Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. Priority Species under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework. European Protected Species under Annex IV of the European Habitats Directive. Listed as Near Threatened on the global IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
A coordinated programme to protect the large blue runs in the south of England. The Wildlife Trusts are one of a number of partners involved in ensuring proper management of grassland sites and monitoring of populations.
A coordinated programme to protect the large blue runs in the south of England. The Wildlife Trusts are one of a number of partners involved in ensuring proper management of grassland sites and monitoring of populations.