Species Statement

The northern bown argus occurs on well-drained, and usually base-rich, sites on thin soils that are usually south facing and up to 350 m altitude. Its larvae feed on common rock rose. Primarily occuring on limestone grassland, it is also associated with coastal valleys and quarries, limestone pavement and outcrops. The lightly grazed or ungrazed grassland habitat often has a profusion of the larval foodplant, nectar sources such as thyme and bird`s-foot trefoil, and patches of bare ground resulting from grazing, landslips, footpaths or rock outcrops. In Scotland, the northern brown argus is also found on sites with relatively low pH dominated by heathers, but these are always well-drained. The taxonomic status of the Aricia complex is unclear across Europe and is the subject of current research at the University of Birmingham.

The northern brown argus is represented in Britain by two subspecies, both of which may be endemic. Closely related species, which may prove to be conspecific, occur across the western Palearctic from Spain and northern Africa to central Asia. Populations are believed to be relatively stable in most areas, although in some countries, such as Poland, they have undergone a massive decline. In England the northern brown argus is locally distributed in the Derbyshire Peak District, Yorkshire, Cumbria and County Durham. In southern Scotland, it is found in the Borders, along the east coast and in Dumfries and Galloway in the west, but then has a primarily eastern distribution northwards through Fife and Grampian to south-east Sutherland, with strong populations in Perthshire and northern Tayside. Small populations may occur in Clwyd, North Wales, but their taxonomic status is unclear. There has been a decline in range, with extinctions in southern Scotland, Northumberland and Yorkshire. Recent surveys, however, have located several new colonies in northern Scotland where the species is under recorded.

In Great Britain the northern brown argus is classified as Nationally Scarce. It is protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, with respect to sale only.

Inappropriate grazing management.

Afforestation in parts of Scotland.

A species action plan, grant-aided by CCW, NE, SNH and WWF, was published by Butterfly Conservation in 1996.

Some reduction in grazing on reserves has been carried out, for example at St Abb`s Head NNR in the Borders.

Reintroductions of the species have been attempted in Durham.

SNH is preparing an information and advice note on habitat management for this butterfly.

The following LBAPs are working on Aricia artaxerxes:

Originally published in: UK Biodiversity Group Tranche 2 Action Plans - Volume IV: Invertebrates (March 1999, Tranche 2, Vol IV, p411)

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