Albulina orbitulus ¦ Alpine Argus ¦ euroButterflies

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Albulina orbitulus

Alpine Argus

euroButterflies

by Matt Rowlings

Valais, Switzerland, July 2007

Valais, Switzerland, July 2021

Field notes and information

Localised in the Alps at high levels. Also from central Norway. It has a highly distinctive underside with pupilless white spots on the underside hindwing.

Identification & Similar species: The pupilless white spots on the underside hindwing are distinctive.

Distribution & Flight: From the Alps mostly at alpine levels. Around 1000m in the Scandinavia. A summer species, which means July/ early August in the Alps, end June/ July in Scandinavia.

Habitat & Behaviour: Warm grassy flowery meadows, often damp places around streams. Typically in low numbers, I've only occasionally seen more than one or two seen at a time. The butterfly takes salts at damp places, even the females which is unusual.