Scotch Argus
Common NameScotch Argus
Scientific NameErebia aethiops
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, orange, black, white
HabitatGrassy woodland clearings, moorland, damp meadows, forest edges
Geographic RangeScotland, Alps, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe
Host Plantspurple moor-grass, wavy hair-grass, fescues
Flight PeriodJuly to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on grass blades. Larvae feed on various grasses and overwinter as partially grown caterpillars. Pupation occurs in a loose cocoon near the ground in spring.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive dark brown wings with a broad orange band containing 3-4 prominent black eyespots with white pupils on the forewing, and 2-3 on the hindwing, visible on both upper and underside.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with dark brown wings featuring a prominent orange band on both forewings and hindwings, each containing several black eyespots with white pupils.
