Silvery Argus
Common NameSilvery Argus
Scientific NameAricia artaxerxes
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrownish-grey, orange, black, white
HabitatDry grasslands, heathland, chalk downland, rocky areas, open woodlands
Geographic RangeEurope (especially northern and central), parts of Asia
Host PlantsCommon Rock-rose (Helianthemum nummularium), Geranium spp., Erodium spp.
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae feed on leaves and are often associated with ants. Overwinters as a larva, pupating in spring near the ground.
Identification TipsDistinguished from the similar Brown Argus (*Aricia agestis*) by the presence of a white spot (or absence of a black spot) in the forewing cell on the underside, and often a more silvery-grey ground color.
Description
A small butterfly with brownish-grey undersides, featuring a distinctive row of black spots ringed with white and a submarginal band of orange spots.
