Brown Argus butterfly
Aricia agestis
family - Lycaenidae (Blues, Coppers & Hairstreaks)
The Brown Argus butterfly is mainly brown on the upper side of the wings, with a white fringe and orange markings. The underside of the wings is greyish-brown with white-ringed black spots and orange markings.
My personal observations of the Brown Argus butterfly
months seen in my garden: August & September
garden plants that attract this species: Hebe, Heliotrope, Verbena (also possibly Lavender, Lobelia and Marigold)
Butterfly sighting 2005:
A Brown Argus was feeding on Hebe Josephine, 18 August 2005
Memorable digital images of 2003:
The following images were taken on 13 September 2003, when a fresh-looking Brown Argus butterfly visited Verbena bonariensis in my back garden.
A memorable slide from 2003:
Side View. Guided walk
along Thames Path. 3 August 2003.
Images from 2000:
A Brown Argus came to visit my front garden on 30 August 2000.
observations:
The Brown Argus butterfly is a rare garden visitor.
identification:
Difficult to distinguish from the Common Blue butterfly: the Common Blue has two significant spots on the underside of the forewing, where the Brown Argus has just one.
Reference Section
Size: 29mm (smaller than the Small White - see list of butterflies by size)
First Generation flight period: May-June
Second Generation flight period: July-September
Larval Food Plants: Rock Rose
Wild Nectar Plants: Clover
Family Group: Lycaenidae - see list of butterflies by family