Southern Brown Argus
Common NameSouthern Brown Argus
Scientific NameAricia cramera
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, orange, black, white
HabitatDry grasslands, rocky slopes, scrubland, coastal dunes, open areas
Geographic RangeSouthern Europe (Iberian Peninsula, Mediterranean islands), North Africa, Canary Islands, Madeira
Host PlantsErodium, Geranium
Flight PeriodMarch to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae feed on leaves and are often associated with ants. Pupation occurs near the ground.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its small size, the specific pattern of black spots ringed with white, and the continuous orange submarginal band on the underside of both wings. The upperside is typically plain brown with a variable orange band.
Description
A small butterfly with a light brown to tan underside, featuring a prominent row of orange submarginal spots and several black spots ringed with white across both forewings and hindwings.
