Scotch argus butterfly

The scotch argus butterfly (Erebia aethiops), despite its name, is not particularly common in Scotland, although it is found there. It occurs mainly in eastern Europe with scattered colonies in other places. It inhabits open grassland close to pine forests and hillsides up to 2000 metres. It flies only when the sun shines in late summer.

Its wingspan reaches a maximum of 5.2 centimetres. The scotch argus is very dark brown with an orange-brown band on each wing marked with black and white eye-spots. The underwings are similar but paler. Females are paler than males.

The caterpillar is pale brown with a darker line along the back and sides. It feeds at dawn and dusk on various grass food plants, later pupating in a flimsy cocoon in the leaf litter.

© John Welford