Chalk Hill Blue vs Cixiid Planthopper

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Chalk Hill Blue Cixiid Planthopper
Scientific Name Polyommatus coridon Cixius nervosus
Order Lepidoptera Hemiptera
Family Lycaenidae Cixiidae
Size Wingspan 33-40mm 5-8 mm
Habitat Grasslands Underground
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Chalk Hill Blue

A large blue butterfly with silvery-blue males and brown females. Restricted to chalk and limestone grasslands.

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Did You Know?

Males have an ethereal silvery-blue tone unique among European butterflies, visible in large numbers on chalk hills.

Cixiid Planthopper

A small brownish planthopper with prominently veined transparent wings. Nymphs develop underground feeding on roots, while adults are found on shrubs and tree foliage.

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Did You Know?

Cixiid planthoppers are important vectors of phytoplasma diseases affecting fruit trees, grapevines, and other crops across Europe.