| Law: | Protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. |
| UK BAP status: | Priority Species
|
| Local status: | Local BAP Species - A Species Action Plan exists for this species in Bedfordshire.
Local and uncommon. Generally exists in small colonies, but one large colony is known to exist.
|
| Size: | Small. (Britain's smallest butterfly) |
| Larval foodplant: | The flowers of Kidney Vetch. |
| No. of broods: | Primarily one. A partial second brood may occur. |
| Flight time(s): | June. A partial second brood may occur in August. |
| Winter: | Fully grown larva hibernates then pupates in spring without further feeding. |
| Habits: | Males perch on low vegetation. Females tend to rest near the Kidney Vetch. |
| Habitats: | Only found on disturbed chalk where its sole foodplant grows. Occasional sightings near sand pits require further investigation. |
