Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 1337682

European Common Blue
Polyommatus icarus

Observation date: July 20, 2022
Date notes: In the sun.
Submitted by: Sharolyn
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: I spotted it in my front yard among the tall overgrown grass. It also liked the ground-cover weed that has short yellow snapdragon type flower The next day I saw it with a brown butterfly, but I did not have my cellphone Very small butterfly.
Status: Resident
Verified by: jmgesell
Verified date: August 05, 2022
Coordinator notes: Unfortunately, the Karner Blue has been extirpated from Canada - sometime between 1988-1991. Your individual is a newly introduced species, the European Common Blue. Thought to be introduced via plane at the Mirabel Airport in Quebec in 2005, it is quickly extending its range. It's now found throughout Montreal, reports as far northeast as Quebec City, and are now showing up in the Toronto area. There are also reports in the US in northern NY and VT over the last couple of years. -jmgesell
Checklist region(s): Canada, Ontario