Image of a Northern Brown Argus Butterfly with its brown wings open.

The Northern Brown Argus is a small butterfly with a silvery appearance in flight. They are associated with sheltered, flowery grasslands, usually on sunny slopes with thin soils. Their caterpillars feed solely on Common Rock-rose.

In the UK, they have a northern distribution and are found in northern England and the eastern half of Scotland. Most individuals in Scotland have a distinctive small white dot on the centre of their brown upper wing. In northern England, this spot is generally dark brown or black. Elsewhere in Britain and mainland Europe, the pattern of wing spots is highly variable and many local races (and sub-species) have been described.

Image: © Jim Black

Action Needed

Support appropriate and targeted agri-environment schemes that encourage effective management.
Support the inclusion of a Northern Brown Argus threat layer in the Land Information Service GIS map to flag up the presence of Northern Brown Argus presence and habitat at an early stage in planning of afforestation schemes.
Support targeted conservation action focused in the Scottish Border’s core range.

Threats

Afforestation of the species-rich grasslands on which they depend.
Overgrazing due to agricultural intensification and increased deer populations.
Agricultural abandonment leading to the loss of grazing and development of unsuitable rank grassland and scrub.