Brown Argus vs Golden Birdwing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Brown Argus Golden Birdwing
Scientific Name Aricia agestis Troides aeacus
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Lycaenidae Papilionidae
Size 25-31 mm wingspan 140-170 mm wingspan
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Mountains
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, western Asia, North Africa South and Southeast Asia, southern China
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern; listed on CITES Appendix II

Brown Argus

A small chocolate-brown butterfly with a row of bright orange crescent-shaped spots around the wing margins. Despite its brown color, it belongs to the blue butterfly subfamily.

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Did You Know?

It has expanded its range northward in Britain in recent decades, likely in response to climate warming.

Golden Birdwing

A large birdwing butterfly with velvety black forewings and brilliant golden-yellow hindwings. It is found across a wide range of Asian habitats from India to China.

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Did You Know?

Like all birdwings, it is protected under international trade law, and collecting wild specimens is illegal in most countries.