| Actual Image
Brown Argus on Spring Ragwort (76)
Argus
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2707 W: 139 N: 7809]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif) (24333) | In Sweden the Brown Argus (Aricia agestis) is only found in Scania. Otherwise it is not uncommon in dry meadows in most of Europe including S. Britain and W. Scotland.
The red-orange markings give the Swedish name Rödfläckig blåvinge, which means, red-spotted blue.
Although this is classified as a blue Lycaenid, it is mainly brown, the underside being being with red spots (see WORKSHOP). The only hint of blue is the bluish appearance during flight, caused by light reflection on the scales.
The sexes are quite similar, but the male often lacks the red spot at the apex of the forewing and it is mostly diminished.
It is bivoltine (two generations in May/June and July/Aug.)) in most of its range but can be trivoltine in the south. The larval host plant is mainly Rockrose (Helianthemum).
This is a female was taken not far from our home on a sunny but windy day. She is taking nectar from the flowers of Spring Ragwort (Senecio vernalis). This plant is fairly common on dry soils in S. Sweden and N. and C. Europe.
This was taken at a distance of about 2 meters and after moderate cropping and size reduction it was selectively sharpened |
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