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Scotch Argus
ExploreInsects
Scotch Argus
Erebia aethiops
The Scotch Argus is a beautiful butterfly with orange and brown wings. It loves to flutter around fields and meadows, bringing joy to everyone who sees it!
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Scotch Argus has dark brown to black upperwings with distinct orange bands near the edges. These bands contain 3-4 prominent black eyespots, often with tiny white pupils, making it visually stand out from plain dark butterflies. Its underside is duller but features a similar pattern of eyespots.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNymphalidaeGenusErebia
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Female Scotch Argus butterflies often have brighter orange patches on their wings than the males!
Its caterpillars spend almost a whole year munching on grasses before transforming into butterflies!
Scotch Argus butterflies love sunny clearings and are mostly seen flying during the warm months of summer.
You'll often find this butterfly perching low on a grass stem with its wings completely closed.
Special abilities
Ability
Spotlight Deflector
Scotch Argus has prominent eyespots that can trick predators into attacking its wings instead of its body, helping it escape.
Ability
Cool Air Flyer
Scotch Argus can fly comfortably in cooler temperatures, letting it thrive in upland habitats that other butterflies avoid.
Ability
Solar Panel Wings
Scotch Argus has dark wings that quickly absorb sunlight, allowing it to warm up fast and become active on chilly mornings.
Ability
Grassland Ghost
Scotch Argus can disappear into its grassy home by staying perfectly still and aligning its wings, a master of camouflage.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 35-45 mm
- Size
- 18-22 mm
- Lifespan
- 14-21 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
As caterpillars, they munch on grass; as adults, they sip sweet nectar from flowers.
Age differences: Larvae (caterpillars) feed exclusively on various grasses, while adult butterflies feed on nectar from wildflowers.
Primary Foods
- nectar
- Cirsium arvense
- Knautia arvensis
- Molinia caerulea
- Festuca rubra
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Purple Moor-grass
Molinia caerulea
Larval food plant.
eaten by
Red Fescue
Festuca rubra
Another larval food plant.
pollinates
Creeping Thistle
Cirsium arvense
Adults collect nectar from its flowers.
pollinates
Field Scabious
Knautia arvensis
An important nectar source.
Traits
Spotted
Marked with spots or patches of a different color.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always watch butterflies from a distance and don't try to catch them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Scotch Argus's wingspan?
35-45 mm
How big is Scotch Argus?
18-22 mm
How long does Scotch Argus live?
14-21 days
What does Scotch Argus eat?
As caterpillars, they munch on grass; as adults, they sip sweet nectar from flowers.
Where is Scotch Argus usually found?
Grasslands
How does Scotch Argus hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Scotch Argus have?
6
Snap Map
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