Polyommatus fulgens (commonly known as Forster's Furry Blue or the Catalonian Furry Blue) is a specialized species of butterfly belonging to the Lycaenidae family. Endemic to the Iberian Peninsula, it is closely related to and physically resembles the Furry Blue (Polyommatus dolus) found in France and Italy.
Physical Appearance & Dimorphism
The species displays striking sexual dimorphism:
Males: Features a highly distinctive, very pale silvery-blue upperside. They are characterized by a large, textured "furry" brownish patch of androconial scales at the base of the forewings and a light brown border.
Females: The upperside is entirely brown, closely resembling other anomalous blues.
Underside: Both sexes have an ocher-to-light-brown background adorned with fine white-ringed black dots. A central white streak or stripe is frequently present on the hindwing underside, though its prominence can vary.
