www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

I took this photo as the butterfly seemed quite tiny even for a Brown Argus, but is it?

That's a female Common Blue. The spotting is diagnostic (see http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/species. ... %20Species).

Cheers,

- Pete

Thanks Pete - I'm feeling a bit embarrassed now as I thought it had a tail but clearly a Common Blue doesn't so whoever said the camera doesn't lie got it wrong! I'm not going to make a habit of this but I've just spent an hour trying to identify the larva below which was so beautifully camouflaged I didn't even notice it at the time. I shall keep searching but if anyone has any ideas I'd be grateful.

could be early instar double striped pug. but that's by no means definitive

Chris

When I was at denbies I photographed a similar looking critter feeding on scabious.

Hi Chris - thanks for that. The only photos I can find of double striped pug larva are not exactly the same but I have spent a considerable time looking and can't find anything that comes any closer. I couldn't find any info as to whether they lay eggs on this plant either. Did you have any ideas Susie? The colours and camouflage are amazing don't you think?