Blue Argus
Common NameBlue Argus
Scientific NameAricia agestis
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrownish-grey, black, orange, white
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, chalk downlands, heathland, open woodland, coastal areas
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, temperate Asia
Host PlantsErodium cicutarium, Geranium sanguineum, Helianthemum nummularium
Flight PeriodMay to September (bivoltine/trivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are green and often tended by ants. Pupation occurs near the base of the host plant.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive pattern of black spots ringed with white and a row of orange lunules on the brownish-grey underside. The upperside (not visible here) is typically plain brown.
Description
A small butterfly with brownish-grey undersides, featuring a prominent row of black spots ringed with white, and a submarginal band of orange lunules. The wing fringes are white and hairy.
