Brown Argus

Scientific Name - Aricia agestis

Flight Period - May to September (two broods)

Overwinters as - Larva

Habitat - Grassland, woodland rides and clearings

Larval foodplants - Cranesbill species, Rock-rose

Conservation status - Low priority

Northamptonshire distribution - Widespread

Best public sites to see them - Anywhere with suitable habitat, increasing in range

The Brown Argus is increasing in range and has become a common butterfly of grasslands, woodland rides and clearings. Like the Common Blue, the second brood is often far superior in numbers than the first and they can be very abundant at some sites at the end of summer. The Brown Argus can sometimes be confused with the dark form of the female Common Blue, however, the Common Blue lacks the tell-tale “figure of eight” mark on the undersides of the hindwing. For more information on how to identify the commoner Blues please click here.

Brown Argus distribution 2018 - 2022

Brown Argus upperwing

Brown Argus underwing

Brown Argus mating

The Brown Argus very often perches in prominent positions