Scottish Argus - Where art thou?

[butterflypyne]

Hiya

I was wondering if anyone has a definite sighting of a Scottish Argus or knows a good place I can go to find one??

My hubbie is an English man and hasn't seen this one yet. I want to "bag it" before he does.

[Heidfirst]

obvious question - where are you?
afaik there are only 2 small populations in England - 1 in the Lakes & 1 near Morecambe.

A-Z of butterflies - Butterfly Conservation

No sightings yet in the SW Scotland BC group Butterfly Conservation - Glasgow and South West Scotland Branch - Butterfly Sightings but it's flight period is only ~mid-July - early September i.e. only just started.

[earthdragon64]

I saw my first of the year on a path between Newtonmore Golf Course and the River Spey last Thursday, the 16th. It's the only one I've seen so far this year. Anywhere around the Aviemore area on a sunny day from now until about the 3rd week in August there is a good chance of seeing over 100 in a short space of time.

[petereeles]

They've just emerged at both of the two English colonies too - Arnside Knott and Smardale Gill.

And I assume you mean "Scotch Argus"

Cheers,

- Pete

[aeshna5]

I was hoping to see them last week. They are supposed to be common + widespread where we stayed at Glenfeshie; not too far from Aviemore, but sadly hadn't emerged.

[earthdragon64]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

I was hoping to see them last week. They are supposed to be common + widespread where we stayed at Glenfeshie; not too far from Aviemore, but sadly hadn't emerged.

I can vouch for that, I've seen loads at various points in Glenfeshie, you were a week or two too early for the large numbers.

I remember from another thread that you wanted to see Northern Brown Argus when you were up here, did you see any?

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by earthdragon64

I can vouch for that, I've seen loads at various points in Glenfeshie, you were a week or two too early for the large numbers.

I remember from another thread that you wanted to see Northern Brown Argus when you were up here, did you see any?

Not many, but did see 2 individuals- a place called Craig Dubh (not sure if the spelling is correct!) to the south. We also found a single egg of one on the upperside of a Rock-rose leaf.

[ChrisJB]

Originally Posted by petereeles

They've just emerged at both of the two English colonies too - Arnside Knott and Smardale Gill.

And I assume you mean "Scotch Argus"

Cheers,

- Pete

Arnside Knott is a brilliant place for them (and High Brown Frits). Seen plenty on Skye too. I've never been to Smardale Gill during their flight period, but it's a lovely place.

Regards, Chris

[butterflypyne]

Thank you all for your help.

We are in the Scottish Borders now but I was hoping for a break on the Isle of Skye, so glad to read we might see some there. Also, Aviemore is also good for a camping weekend so hopefully we will spot this one this year.

On another note I wasn't sure if it was Scottish or Scotch as 2 books gave these titles. I went for Scottish as Scotch is a whisky.

Cheers Everyone

[ChrisJB]

Did a walk through Smardale Gill last Thursday, there were stacks of Scotch argus flying.

Regards, Chris