Scotch Argus - Favourite Photo of 2012

[Vince Massimo]

Here is the opportunity to post your favourite photo(s) of a particular species taken in 2012 (or the last time you saw one!).

This is part of a series of topics which will grow over 20 weeks throughout the winter until all 59 UK species have been covered. The intention is to showcase three species per week (in alphabetical order), so please wait until a topic has been opened by me for a particular species before posting photos. Our overseas friends are very welcome to fill in the obvious gaps relating to rare UK migrants.

Details of locations, dates, times and circumstances would be welcome and please feel free to contribute observations of behaviour, stories of personal encounters, anecdotes or other interesting points.

Vince

[David M]

I decamped to Morecambe Bay late in the Scotch Argus flight season last year and most individuals I saw were rather worn.

This was the most 'pristine' individual I photographed, on 18th August:

[badgerbob]

The Scotch Argus was a new species for me last year on 2nd August at Arnside Knott. A fabulous day with lots of butterflies. 2 species stll to go from the mainland!!

[MikeOxon]

This was the most 'pristine' individual I photographed, on 18th August:

Your individual seems to have rather more fore-wing spots than is usual.

According to my references, males usually have 3 spots on the forewing, while females tend to have 4. I think yours is male - based on the long, slender abdomen. I believe that your 5-spotted form is known as ab. freyeri (Oberthur)

Mike

[Neil Freeman]

Scotch Argus were a first for me last year. I spent a couple of days at Arnside Knott at the end of July and saw plenty although they had only just started emerging in numbers and I believe that most that I saw were male.

Scotch Argus - Arnside Knott 30.07.2012

Scotch Argus - Arnside Knott 30.07.2012

Cheers,

Neil

[David M]

This was the most 'pristine' individual I photographed, on 18th August:

Your individual seems to have rather more fore-wing spots than is usual.

According to my references, males usually have 3 spots on the forewing, while females tend to have 4. I think yours is male - based on the long, slender abdomen. I believe that your 5-spotted form is known as ab. freyeri (Oberthur)

Mike

Thanks for that, Mike. I can honestly say I hadn't noticed but having scrutinised other images you are right. 5 forewing spots certainly seems to be a departure from the norm.

[Pete Eeles]

I believe that your 5-spotted form is known as ab. freyeri (Oberthur)

Quite right Mike! If you could post to the Scotch Argus aberrations folder, I'd appreciate it David - I can then move it to the right place.

http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/aberrati ... s=aethiops

Cheers,

- Pete

[David M]

Done (minus the frame, of course).

[Pete Eeles]

Thanks David - processed

http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/aberrati ... s=aethiops

Cheers,

- Pete