2025Eastern Baton Blue - Polyommatus Damon - Sheetlets

This rare and striking butterfly is the final motif in the series “Pericularium – endangered insects”. In her project "Pericularium", Tyrolean artist Alexandra Kontriner presents detailed drawings of insect species considered extinct or critically endangered in Austria – particularly in Tyrol – aiming to raise awareness of the ongoing loss of biodiversity. The population of the Eastern Baton Blue (Pseudophilotes vicrama), known in German as Weißdolch-Bläuling, is also severely threatened in Austria, mainly due to intensive grazing and the destruction of its natural habitats. It inhabits dry slopes and sheltered, sunny grasslands with nutrient-poor soils. Its primary food source – for both the butterfly and its caterpillars – is sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia). The butterfly is named after the distinctive white, dagger-shaped marking on the underside of its brown hindwings, which are speckled with black. The upperside of the delicately bordered wings is a vivid blue with grey-brown edges in males, while females display a uniform brown colour.