This small butterfly with lilac-blue wings has two broods. In spring the female lays her eggs on holly and in the summer the eggs are laid on ivy.
Church yards are one of their favourite haunts.
As more green spaces and wildlife habitats are lost to development, roads and intensive farming, the areas around churches and chapels have become increasingly valuable as nature reserves. Grave yards are often quiet, peaceful places which are sanctuaries to many species of flora and fauna. West DEN has been working on a project that will show how these area can be managed to benefit wildlife and demonstrate some simple management and survey techniques. They have collected a pack of information, including a video, that will be available to any community wishing to manage their church yard. Such a project of conservation takes place within Mary Tavy parish church yard during June 1997.