Blues and Arguses in Sussex

 Globally, chalk landscapes are rare but growing up in the outskirts of Brighton in East Sussex, I was very familiar with the South Downs around Brighton and Lewes. They were a regular playground for me during the school holidays and in the 1960's they were awash with blue butterflies.

I fondly remember those halcyon days, which seemed forever bathed in warm sunshine and where my passion for butterflies was seeded.

The blues and arguses are part of the Lycaenidae family and chalk downland is the best habitat in which to go looking for them. That said, only three species are predominantly restricted to a downland habitat. Another three species are much more catholic in their habitat requirements, one is a migrant and one is only to be found on heathland.

Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus)

This species can be found in any suitable habitat in Sussex, from chalk downland to woodland glades, roadside verges and suburban gardens.

(male)

(female)

(mating)

Chalkhill Blue (Polyommatus coridon)

As its name suggests, this species is predominantly restricted to a chalkland habitat. It can occasionally wander away from the downs by natural dispersal in good breeding years.

(male)

(female)

(mating)

Adonis Blue (Polyommatus bellargus)

This species is not to be found away from the downs and is reliant on a habitat of short chalkland sward.

(male)

(female)

(mating)

Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus)

This is our earliest blue to appear in the spring and can be seen from late March, flying rapidly along garden hedges, roadside hedgerows and woodland edges.

(male)

(female)

(mating)

Long-tailed Blue (Lampides boeticus)

A common butterfly in Europe and beyond, this species has always been a rare migrant to Britain. In 2013 large numbers arrived in southern England along a broad front and produced a British brood during late summer and early autumn. It is now becoming a more regular migrant to our shores.

(male)

(female)

Small Blue (Cupido minimus)

This is our smallest British butterfly. In Sussex, it is predominantly a chalk downland species, occurring in small isolated colonies.

(male)

(female)

(mating)

Silver-studded Blue (Plebeius argus)

This attractive butterfly is a heathland specialist. In East Sussex, it only occurs in small isolated colonies on Ashdown Forest.

(male)

(female)

(mating)

Brown Argus (Aricia agestis)

This species occurs on chalk downland but can also be found in suitable habitat along field and woodland edges.

(male)

(females)