Brown Argus or Female Common Blue?

[Sylvia Godfrey]

Can anyone assist please? I took the two attached photo's at Braunton Burrows on 21st August. I am not sure whether it is a Brown Argus or a female Common Blue. I can see no markings other than an orange zig-zag marking on the rear wings. If it were a female Common Blue should I expect to see some additional white/black markings? Also attached is a second picture which shows some of the underwing.

Any sugestions gratefully received.

Sylvia.

[Padfield]

Hi Sylvia,

This is a brown argus. The pattern of spots on the underside hindwing is decisive, quite apart from the general appearance and the upperside.

Guy

This is your first picture, but distorted so it's easier to see:

[Sylvia Godfrey]

Hi Guy,

Thank you so much, I wasn't sure and I don't think the Brown Arus is a species listed for Braunton Burrows. I also have a little sibling rivalry going on with my sister this year, who can photograph the most different British butterflis in a year, and this will be another different one to add my collection.

Cheers,

Sylvia

[Sylvia Godfrey]

Apologies on my comment regarding the Brown Argus and Braunton Burrows, it is indeed listed as a species that can be found at this location

[Padfield]

The brown argus recently (the last ten years or so) expanded its range dramatically and so historic records of where it occurs are likely to be rather conservative anyway.

How many species have you clocked up so far?

Guy

[Sylvia Godfrey]

Hi Guy,

We started on our quest in May and I now have 26 different species, not too bad I don't think considering the summer we are having? I am trying to persuade my sister that male and female of the same species should count as two, but she's having none if it as she is already behind my count!!

These are the species I have photographed so far are:

1. Speckled Wood 14. Ringlet
2. Large White 15. Gatekeeper
3. Orange Tip 16. Meadow Brown
4. Small Copper 17. Large Skipper
5. Common Blue 18. Holly Blue
6. Red Admiral 19. Comma
7. Green Hairstreak 20. Green-Veined White
8. Small Heath 21. Small White
9. Brimstone 22. Peacock
10. Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary 23. Grayling
11. Small Skipper 24. Adonis Blue
12. Marbled White 25. Silver Spotted Skipper
13.Silver Washed Fritillary 26. Brown Argus

Cheers,

Sylvia.

[Rogerdodge]

Sylvia
The Brown Argus is indeed found on Braunton Burrows.
My July competition entry was taken there.
I live only 8 miles fron the Burrows, and it is my nearest butterfly hot-spot.
Many years ago I was a Warden there, and used to lead guided walks.
Great fun, but very tiring!
Roger

[Sylvia Godfrey]

Hi Roger,

Nice to hear from a fellow Devonian. This was the first time I had visited the Burrows, what a fantastic place, I shall certainly be visiting again! I only spent four hours there and I was hooked. As you can imagine I only covered a small portion, it was beautiful. We really are lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the world.

Kind Regards,

Sylvia.

[eccles]

The first thing to check with BA/CB is the sex of the butterfly. The long abdomen visible in the second shot indicates that it is a male, therefore it must be a brown argus.

[Tony Moore]

The BA is my number one favourite British butterfly. I always think that it is a smaller, somehow neater insect than the CB. It also has a quite different flight pattern. (I anticipate a raft of photographs of A. agestis var. giganticus )

[Padfield]

I totally agree, Antonym - brown argus is actually unmistakeable in flight. It usually does look smaller than a typical common blue but I don't think it is the size that makes it stand out. It is more the neatness, as you say, and a kind of silvery greyness about it, without any hint of blue (I think the blue scaling makes common blue females look 'dirty' in flight, whereas brown arguses always look 'clean').

Guy

[Sylvia Godfrey]

Many thanks to all of you for your usual helpful comments. I'll most certainly be looking out for the Brown Argus in future - I'll probably have to wait until next year now - Ahh well!!!

[Matsukaze]

At least four Brown Argus yesterday, in three different locations where flower-rich patches have survived in the wider countryside. Also a few Common Blues and Small Coppers. They may still be around for a week or two yet.

Still a few Meadow Browns about. Their flight season seems to be carrying on later this year.

[Sylvia Godfrey]

Thanks for the update. I didn't think I was going to have the time to get out again in the near future but, weather permitting, I hope to return to Braunton Burrows next Friday. I'm sure I'll enjoy the walk even if I don't find anything - wish me luck!