Gran Canaria, Spain, April 2011
S Spain, April 2009
Field notes and information
This species replaces the brown argus A. agestis in Spain, Sardinia and North Africa.
Identification & Similar species: This species can be separated from similar species by its much darker brown underside ground colour and usually broad extensive upperside red markings on both wings.
Very similar to the brown argus A. agestis but the species do not fly in the same places, except perhaps in the Pyrenees where both species reach their limits of distribution.
Also very similar to the mountain argus A. artaxerxes montensis which is found in hills and mountains throughout Spain. This species has relatively limited orange markings on the upperside and rather pale grey underside ground colour.
Distribution & Flight: Widespread and often common throughout Sardinia, Spain and N Africa. Flies in multiple broods all year in the Canaries and spring to autumn elsewhere and according to altitude.
Habitat & Behaviour: Dry flowery meadows on calcareous soils. Usually amongst rocks.
Gennargentu, Sardinia, Italy, July 2015
Middle Atlas, Morocco, August 2019
La Palma, Spain, August 2021
La Gomera, Spain, August 2021
Malaga, Spain, May 2019
High Atlas, Morocco, August 2019
Ifrane, Middle Atlas, Morocco, June 2005
Malaga, Spain, May 2019
Madrid, Spain, July 2011
Middle Atlas, Morocco, September 2001
Ssp. crameri. Very dark brown underside. 3rd generation.
Gran Canaria, Spain, April 2011
Montes Universales, Spain, July 2011