Scotch Argus (Erebia aethiops) perching on a Harebell.
The Scotch Argus formerly occurred across the counties of Northumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire and Cumbria, but is now known to occur at just two native English sites, both in Cumbria. Fortunately it is still common and widespread in Scotland, particularly the north and west.
In sunny weather they are restless and skittish, but I found them to be much more cooperative on a cooler day with showers. This one is a male, which seem to greatly outnumber females, although this is only because the females are more elusive. They get on with the business of laying eggs among grasses while the males patrol constantly looking for an unmated female.
Scotch Argus (Erebia aethiops) perching on a Harebell.
The Scotch Argus formerly occurred across the counties of Northumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire and Cumbria, but is now known to occur at just two native English sites, both in Cumbria. Fortunately it is still common and widespread in Scotland, particularly the north and west.
In sunny weather they are restless and skittish, but I found them to be much more cooperative on a cooler day with showers. This one is a male, which seem to greatly outnumber females, although this is only because the females are more elusive. They get on with the business of laying eggs among grasses while the males patrol constantly looking for an unmated female.