Pilvetäpsed

Pilvetäpsed, scientific name Plebejus argus, is a species of butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It is also commonly known as the silver-studded blue in the UK and Ireland. This species is found across Europe and Asia, with a wide distribution range. It inhabits a variety of open habitats, including heathlands, moors, sand dunes, and clearings in woodlands.

The wingspan of the pilvetäpsed typically ranges from 25 to 35 millimeters. The upperside of the male's wings is a vibrant blue, often with a purplish sheen, and edged with a narrow black border. The female is generally brown, but can sometimes show blue scaling, especially towards the base of the wings. Both sexes have a distinctive row of black spots on the underside of the hindwings, which gives the species its common English name. The underside of the wings is a pale greyish-brown with several small black spots and white-rimmed eyespots.

The caterpillar of the pilvetäpsed feeds on various species of low-growing plants, most notably heather (Calluna vulgaris) and various sedums. The butterfly is univoltine, meaning it has one generation per year. Adults typically fly from June to August. The eggs are laid on or near the food plants. Due to habitat loss and fragmentation, populations of pilvetäpsed have declined in some parts of its range, making conservation efforts important for its continued survival.