Northern Brown Argus
Common NameNorthern Brown Argus
Scientific NameAricia artaxerxes
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)28
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, black, orange, white
HabitatCalcareous grasslands, heathlands, moorlands, open woodlands
Geographic RangeNorthern and Central Europe, extending eastwards into parts of Asia
Host PlantsHelianthemum nummularium, Geranium sanguineum, Geranium sylvaticum, Erodium cicutarium
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves; larvae are myrmecophilous and overwinter before pupating near the ground in spring, with adults emerging in summer.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the unique underside pattern with prominent black-and-white spots and orange submarginal band. The dorsal side is uniformly dark brown, lacking blue iridescence.
Description
A small, dark brown butterfly with a distinctive underside pattern featuring a brown-grey ground color, prominent black spots ringed in white, and a row of bright orange submarginal spots.
