www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

Taken on Sierra Nevada at approx. 2500m last week. Is it a Mountain Argus, and, if so, is it montensis, please? Many thanks.

Yes - I'd definitely go for montensis. The wing shape looks too pointed for cramera, though that could be an illusion caused by its being angled slightly away from the camera, and the forewing orange spots are discrete, not confluent, which they usually are in cramera. 2500m is limit for cramera and montensis is certainly present in the Sierra Nevada. A glimpse of the upperside - even a shaky photo - would confirm, but I think you have the right species.

Guy

Unfortunately I do not have any upperside shots as it was quickly up and away. From your comments, I think I am pretty safe to go with montensis, so many thanks for the confirmation.

As an aside, it was unbearably hot at low altitudes in Andalucia when we were there, and we were forced to go high. Unfortunately, there was a tremendous hailstorm on Sierra Nevada on our first full day and we suspect that it might have wiped out quite a few butterflies, as there weren't many about on subsequent visits.