Erebia aethiops

Vaud, Switzerland, July 2006

Male, scent brand distinct.

Vaud, 600m, Switzerland, August 2006

Scotch Argus
Erebia aethiops

Distribution: Hills of central and eastern France to Belgium and eastwards to Russia and the northern Balkans. Outlying populations in Scotland and two sites in northern England.

Identification: The usual Erebia identification problems arise with this species. However, helpful features are
- underside hw broad post discal band is pale white or yellowy brown and ground colour is rich chocolate brown
- underside basal area usually distinct (especially in the female) and same colour as post discal band
- wing fringes are dull grey, in the female they are weakly chequered.
- orange markings are bright and the eye spots intense. Overall, rich colouration.
- scent brand in male distinct.

Flight time: Late summer: end of July until September.

Habitat: Grassy places and meadows usually associated with woodland or scrub. Can be found at very low levels for this genus - I've found it at sea level in NW England and 500m in Switzerland. I generally find it around 1000 to 1500m. Larvae feed on various grasses.

Behaviour: Flies over the grasses and frequently visits flowers for nectar.

Additional notes: It emerges later in the year than most butterflies so it appears fresh when most others are worn.

Valais, Switzerland, July 2006

Valais, Switzerland, July 2006

Valais, Switzerland, July 2006

Vaud, Switzerland, August 2006

The egg was laid on a short grass head (approx. 10cm high) exposed in the middle of a track. Abundant long grasses in the meadow beside the track was ignored (at least while we were watching).

Valais, Switzerland, September 2007

Vaud, Switzerland, July 2004

Rila Mts, Bulgaria, July 2004

Isère, France, August 2004