Wingspan: 23–27 mm
Flight period: in two generations; the first from April to June, the second from July to September
Larval host plants: nokota (Lotus sp.), navadna podkvica (Hippocrepis comosa)
Although nokotin sivček (Erynnis tages) is a small butterfly, it is a good and fast flyer. Most often we will see it perched on bare ground, where it basks in the sun and draws minerals dissolved in water from the moist soil. Its coloration allows its body to warm up quickly and well in the sun, as it is entirely dark. The brown upperside of the forewings is interrupted by a pale marbled pattern. The upperside of the hindwings is more uniformly brown, with a row of tiny white spots along the wing edge, which continues also along the edge of the forewings.
Nokotin sivček is a distinctly sun-loving species. It can be found in a wide variety of environments, as long as they are warm enough. It prefers dry, richly flowering meadows, but for life even small, sun-exposed surfaces are sufficient, such as abandoned quarries, railway embankments, or road verges.
Nokotin sivček is widespread throughout Slovenia. It occurs up to the forest edge, but in the lowlands it is much more common.
