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Brown argus

Brown argus

Aricia agestis

A species of Aricia

The Little Sunflower Bläuling (Aricia agestis) is a butterfly (butterfly) from the family Bläulinge (Lycaenidae).

General Info About Brown argus
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Attributes of Brown argus
Colors
Brown
Black
White
Orange
Habitat
chalk downland; woodland; grassland; heathland; field; hill; garden
Adult Food Sources
Asteraceae family flowers (daisies, asters), rubiaceae family flowers (madder, bedstraw), fabaceae family flowers (clover, vetches), lamiaceae family flowers (mints, salvias), scabiosa columbaria (small scabious)
Larva Food Source
Geranium spp. (cranesbills), geranium robertianum (herb robert), geranium molle (dove's-foot cranesbill), geranium dissectum (cut-leaved cranesbill)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Brown argus is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Brown argus is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Brown argus feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Brown argus
It is found throughout the Palearctic ecozone north to northern Jutland (Denmark) and east to Siberia and Tian Shan.
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Distribution Area of Brown argus
Throughout the Palearctic realm
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Life Cycle of Brown argus
Egg The brown argus begins life as an egg, often laid on plant material. These eggs are tiny, spherical, and may vary in color, but usually match the host plant for camouflage.
Larva Upon hatching, the larva or caterpillar brown argus emerges, feeding voraciously on host plants. It grows rapidly, shedding its exoskeleton multiple times, and may change color or patterns to avoid predators.
Pupal The brown argus enters this stage encapsulated in a chrysalis. During this time, it undergoes a remarkable transformation, reforming its body structure into an adult. The chrysalis may exhibit cryptic coloration.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult brown argus’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Adult Size of Brown argus
2.5 - 3 cm
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Predators of Brown argus Larvae
Ants (formicidae), wasps (vespidae), birds (aves)
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Predators of Adult Brown argus
Birds (aves), amphibians (amphibia), spiders (araneae)
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Interesting Facts About Brown argus
Despite its delicate appearance, brown argus caterpillars have a mutualistic relationship with ants, offering them sweet secretions in exchange for protection.
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Scientific Classification of Brown argus
Tips for Finding Brown argus
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Youth Habitat of Brown argus
Grasslands and Prairies, Meadows, Forests and Woodlands
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Adult Habitat of Brown argus
Grasslands and Prairies, Meadows, Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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How Can You Attract Brown argus
For brown argus, trap food could include bait made of rotting fruits or sugary substances, as they are likely to be attracted to these for their nectar-rich diet.
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Habitat Preferences of Brown argus Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of brown argus are typically deposited on the underside of leaves of food plants, like Helianthemum. As caterpillars, they are often found hidden within grassy underbrush or low foliage where they feed. In the pupal stage, they attach themselves to plant stems or leaves, camouflaged within the vegetation. To locate these stages, search for their specific host plants in their natural habitats, such as meadows or grasslands for eggs and caterpillars, and for pupae, inspect the adjacent foliage. Adult brown argus frequently bask on flowers or bare ground in sunny locations, and spotting them involves scanning these areas, especially on warm days.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Brown argus
The suitable time to find adult brown argus could be during warmer daylight hours when they are most active, especially in the late spring to early autumn months depending on the climate.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Brown argus
Suitable weather for finding brown argus would be on sunny and warm days with little to no wind, as these conditions are favorable for their flight and nectar feeding.
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How and Where Can You Find Brown argus at Different Life Stages
Egg Brown argus eggs are typically laid on the underside of host plant leaves. To find them, carefully inspect potential host plants, looking for small, round, or oval eggs.
Larva To find brown argus larvae, identify their host plants and look for signs of feeding such as chewed leaves. The larvae can often be found on the underside of leaves or hidden in plant debris.
Pupal Brown argus pupae may be affixed to plant stems or hidden in leaf litter. Search around the base of host plants and inspect stems or nearby structures where they might be attached.
Adult Adult brown argus can be found near nectar-rich flowers, sunny open areas, or edges of woods. Look for them actively flying or resting with wings open to bask in the sun.
Are Brown argus harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Brown argus
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell, Shape
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Brown argus is an active pollinator, fluttering from flower to flower. While feeding on nectar, it inadvertently picks up pollen on its body, transferring it to other flowers, thus aiding in plant reproduction. They are commonly seen dancing around blossoms, playing a vital role in the ecosystem.
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