Description
this small butterfly has a silvery appearance as it flies low to the ground over sheltered flowery grasslands. in britain and mainland europe, the pattern of wing spots is highly variable and many local races (and sub-species) have been described. in scotland, most individuals are of the race artaxerxes and have a characteristic white spot in the middle of the forewing (see photo). in northern england, this spot is generally dark brown or black. similar to brown argus but differentiated by orange spots. the butterfly occurs mainly as small, scattered colonies and has declined in northern england.
Habitat
Occurs usually in well drained, lightly grazed or ungrazed unimproved grasslands. They prefer sheltered habitats, frequently with scrub and patches of bare ground such as; sand dunes, quarries, coastal valleys and steep slopes.
Countries
Countries: England, and Scotland.
Wing span range
0mm
