Common Blue and Brown Argus sexing

[Deb London]

The OH and I were at separate patches of similar tall grass taking shots of what I thought were the same species. I thought we were taking pictures of Brown Argus butterflies. Turns out his patch had Common Blue instead. Here are some shots for comparison.

Please can someone help me with sexing the Brown Argus?

Thanks.


Male Common Blue



Female Common Blue



Male Brown Argus?





Female Brown Argus?

[artdemole]

Of The Brown Argus....

No 3 is male with underside greyish or grey brown.

No 4 female with spots well defined,with white flash on hind wing.

Also slightly larger.

No 5 female shows series of orange lunules much brighter.

[Deb London]

Thanks aDm. That's very helpful. Are you self taught or did you refer to a guide? My guide was too basic to sex these properly.

[artdemole]

My little book that I find very help full.The Pocket Guide to Butterflies by Paul Whalley & Richard Lewington.Shows male and female with a short description of markings which has been very useful and did not cost too much from a garden center.May have been less than a fiver.

[Deb London]

Thanks aDm!