| Family: | Lycaenidae |
| Subfamily: | Polyommatinae |
| Genus: | Plebejus |
| Species: | argus |
| Authority: | (Linnaeus, 1758) |
This small butterfly is found mainly in heathland where the silvery-blue wings of the males provide a marvellous sight as they fly low over the heather. The females are brown and far less conspicuous but, like the male, have distinct metallic spots on the hindwing. In late afternoon the adults often congregate to roost on sheltered bushes or grass tussocks.
| #Records | #Individuals | Earliest Record | Latest Record | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Records | 12,737 | 180,919 | 09/05/2011 | 30/10/1921 |
| 2023 | 861 | 8,953 | 6/6/2023 | 28/8/2023 |
| Site | Date | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Earliest | The Commons Roydon transect: Section 3 | 6/6/2023 | 3 |
| Latest | Beaulieu Heath (north) transect: Section 2 | 28/8/2023 | 3 |
| Max Count | Dibden Bottom (north) transect: Section 4 | 26/6/2023 | 126 |
