Brown Argus
Image: Nicabraham (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common NameBrown Argus
Scientific NameAricia agestis
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)27.5
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, orange, white
HabitatDry grasslands, chalk downlands, heathland, open woodland clearings
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, and temperate Asia
Host PlantsCommon Rock-rose, Geranium species, Erodium species
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. The larvae are green and feed on leaves, overwintering before pupating at the base of the plant.
Identification TipsLook for the dark brown uppersides with a complete row of orange submarginal spots and white fringes; the absence of a black spot at the base of the forewing upperside helps distinguish it from similar species in some areas.
Description
A small butterfly with dark brown uppersides, adorned with a distinctive row of orange submarginal spots and white-fringed wing edges.
