Common Argus
Common NameCommon Argus
Scientific NameAricia agestis
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black, orange
HabitatGrasslands, chalk downland, heathland, open woodland, coastal areas
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, temperate Asia
Host PlantsHelianthemum nummularium, Geranium sanguineum, Erodium cicutarium
Flight PeriodMay to September (two or three broods)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the leaves of host plants. Larvae are small, green, and often associated with ants. Pupation occurs at the base of the host plant or in leaf litter.
Identification TipsLook for the characteristic row of black-centered, pale-ringed eyespots on the underside of the hindwings and forewings. The upperside is usually plain brown with a marginal band of orange spots, which can vary in prominence.
Description
A small, plain brown butterfly with a distinctive underside pattern featuring a row of black-centered, pale-ringed eyespots on both forewings and hindwings. The upperside is typically plain brown with a series of orange spots along the wing margins.
