Eastern Brown Argus
Common NameEastern Brown Argus
Scientific NameAricia agestis
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)27.5
Primary Colorsgrey, black, orange
HabitatGrasslands, chalk downlands, heathland, open woodlands, coastal areas
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, temperate Asia
Host PlantsErodium cicutarium, Helianthemum nummularium
Flight PeriodMay to September
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are green, often attended by ants, and pupate at the base of the host plant.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its plain brown upperside (not visible here) and the greyish-white underside featuring prominent black spots and a clear band of orange lunules along the wing margins.
Description
A small butterfly with a greyish-white underside, adorned with a distinctive pattern of black spots and a submarginal band of orange lunules.
