This species replaces the Brown Argus in northern areas and at high altitudes. It looks similar but has slightly more pointed forewings and has a darker upperside. Populations in Britain often possess a distinctive white discoidal spot. It is widespread although in my experience not as abundant as the Brown Argus. The subspecies montensis flies in France and Spain and is considered a separate species by some.

Distribution: N Britain, Fennoscandia, mountains of Spain, Pyrenees, Massif Central, Alps, Apennines, Tatras and the mountains of the Balkans.

Flight Period: 1 brood from June-September, peaking in July.

Habitat: Calcareous meadows, alpine grassland, scrub, short limestone turf, sand dunes, above 1000m in the south of its range.

Foodplants: Primarily Rockrose (Cistus), but also Stork’s Bills (Geranium).

Nectar Sources: Heathers (Erica), Bird’s-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), Allium and other flowers.

<Prev
Next>