Argus

The first of two butterfly surprises for me on this baking hot day; a Brown Argus at Shipley Station Meadow. This is the first time I’ve seen one there and indeed the first anywhere remotely near my local patch. 

Brown Argus can easily be mistaken for female Common Blue, but the combination of two spots on the leading edge of the hind wing forming a figure of eight is characteristic of Brown Argus, and perfectly illustrated by this individual. 

Then, about twenty minutes later,  a Purple Hairstreak (extra) in a site new to me although one that I’ve walked past hundreds of times on the way back up to home from the station.

Butterfly Journal 2019

25. 25/07/19  Brown Argus, Shipley Station Meadow.