Photo © Pete Eeles

Brown Argus

Aricia agestis

Checklist Number
61.015 [B&F: 1572]

Verification
Record will be accepted (subject to date and location checks)

Classification

Family:Lycaenidae
Subfamily:Polyommatinae
Genus:Aricia
Species:agestis
Authority:([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

Local on south-facing hillsides, grassland, embankments, sand-dunes and sea cliffs; 0-500 m (0-1900 m in Europe) throughout much of southern England and Wales; mainland Europe, but not in the south-west. In Hampshire there are established populations at Noar Hill and Stockbridge Down, and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 22-28 mm. Larva feeds on Common Rock-rose, Stork's-bill and Dove's-foot Crane's-bill.