Brown Argus
Common NameBrown Argus
Scientific NameAricia agestis
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)28
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, orange, black
HabitatCalcareous grasslands, heathland, open woodland, coastal areas, disturbed ground
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, temperate Asia
Host PlantsHelianthemum nummularium, Erodium cicutarium, Geranium molle
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are green and feed on leaves, often attended by ants. Pupation occurs at the base of the host plant or in leaf litter, with the species typically overwintering as a larva.
Identification TipsDistinguished from the similar Northern Brown Argus (*Aricia artaxerxes*) by the presence of a small black spot in the cell of the forewing underside, which is typically absent in *A. artaxerxes*. Upperside black spots can be variable.
Description
A small, dull brown butterfly characterized by a distinctive row of orange spots along the outer margins of both forewings and hindwings, often accompanied by small black spots on the upperside. The underside is grey-brown with black spots ringed in white and a prominent orange submarginal band.
