A Brown Argus Butterfly Please?

[Mike Robinson]

Sorry to bother but I came across the character in the pictures earlier today; in the Crayford area (the London Borough of Bexley).

Although we cannot see the outside of the Wings the Colour of the Butterfly is a definite Brown and the Abdomen seems quite Long; seemingly ruling out a female Common Blue Butterfly and suggesting a male Brown Argus Butterfly?

A million thanks in advance ...

[Neil Hulme]

Hi Mike,
Yes - a male Brown Argus it is.
BWs, Neil

[Essex Bertie]

Hello Mike,
Prominent orange markings along the forewing plus the dark spot make this a Brown Argus

[Mike Robinson]

Dear Both:

Thanks very much.

Essex Bertie: although I noticed the dark spot I have seen something similar on female Common Blue Butterflies so wasn't sure how 'portant it is/was for identification purposes.

Once again; thanks very much ~ Mike ...

[David M]

Female Common Blues, even when they are bereft of blue wing markings, will normally have a blue suffusion around the body whereas Brown Arguses don't.

[Mike Robinson]

David M.: thanks very much ...

[Essex Bertie]

although I noticed the dark spot I have seen something similar on female Common Blue Butterflies

Yes, it can be there on female Common Blues, but it is darker/more clearly defined on Brown Argus.

[Mike Robinson]

Thanks ...