Brown Argus vs Short-Winged Blister Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Brown Argus | Short-Winged Blister Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aricia agestis | Meloe violaceus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Lycaenidae | Meloidae |
| Size | 25-31 mm wingspan | 15-32 mm |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, western Asia, North Africa | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
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.
Did You Know?
It has expanded its range northward in Britain in recent decades, likely in response to climate warming.
Short-Winged Blister Beetle
A blue-violet oil beetle found across Europe, often seen walking on paths and open ground in spring. Like other oil beetles, it oozes cantharidin-laced fluid from its joints when threatened.
Did You Know?
A single female can lay over 4,000 eggs in a season, but fewer than one percent of larvae survive to adulthood.