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Could anyone assist, please? The attached were taken a few weeks ago but I am now not sure whether they are both female common blue's. I am fairly confident that Common Blue 2 is a female common blue but confused by the blue colouring in the markings on the 1st picture. Any assistance greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Sylvia.

Hi Sylvia,

The first is a female Common Blue with an unusual amount of blue markings.

The second is, I believe, a Brown Argus - an underside shot would confirm for sure.

Cheers,

- Pete

Hi all,

I've posted a few pictures of female common blues this year and the majority I've seen have had a lot of blue and orange on them. I would guess this could be due to the weather earlier in the year?

Cheers

Lee

Hi Sylvia,

I agree with Pete that the second photo is of a Brown Argus. The shape and length of the abdomen strongly suggests a male, therefore it cannot be a female Common Blue. Do you remember if it looked much smaller than the rest of the other Blues, if so then it is a Brown Argus.

Hope this helps,

Cheers,

Vince

Thank you all for your assistance and apologies for not responding sooner - away for weekend!! I am embarrased now at having, perhaps, wrongly identified the second butterfly as a female blue!! I didn't particularly notice that is was discernably smallerl than what now transpires was a female common blue and I wasn't aware that there were any Brown Argus at this particular site - Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve in Devon. Attahced is the best that I have of the underside of this particular individual.

Cheers,

Sylvia

H Sylvia,

Definitely a Brown Argus - well done! Take a look at the "Similar Species" section at

http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/species. ... wn%20Argus

for a description of the "missing dot" on the underside of the forewing of the Brown Argus, that is present in the Common Blue.

Cheers,

- Pete

Many thanks Pete, another species to look out for at this particular site! Off there again today so, hopefully, will find a few more Brown Argus.

Cheers,

Sylvia.