Brown Argus

Special features: The upper surface of the wings are dark brown with a row of orange half-moons all around the edges and a narrow white border. There in a black spot in the centre of each forewing.

The brown argus is a member of the blue butterfly family. To recognise this you need to see the undersides of the wings which have a small patch of blue where they meet the body

The bright green caterpillars are about 10mm long, with a faint white line running along its sides.

Latin name: Aricia agetis

Size: Wingspan approximately 30mm.

Distribution: Found mainly in the south and up to the Midlands of England. Also in some parts of north and south Wales.

Months seen: May to September.

Habitat: Meadows, downs, dunes and cliffs.

Food: Caterpillars feed on rock rose and stork's-bill.