THE SCOTCH ARCxUS 
55 
and has very rarely been seen on the wing in dull weather. 
Its flight is very similar to that of the Ringlet, for which 
species it might readily be mistaken. While resting with closed 
wings on the ground or amongst foliage, it might easily be 
mistaken for a withered leaf, owing to the general colouring 
and pattern of its under surface. 
Haunts and Distribution. The favourite haunts of this 
butterfly are rough hill-sides, open spaces in or on the outskirts 
of woods, and sometimes the open moorland. The spots it 
mostly frequents are damp and where the Blue Moor Grass 
(.Molinia coerulea) abounds, which is the natural food plant 
of the larva. 
Although the Scotch Argus frequents mountainous country, 
it is not found at any great 
altitude: it prefers the warm, 
sheltered valleys, and in certain 
very suitable spots it occurs on 
the lowlands almost at sea level, 
if not quite so. 
In England it is met with only 
in the northern counties of York¬ 
shire, Durham, North Lancashire, 
Westmorland and Cumberland. 
In Scotland it is widely distributed, 
occurring as far north as Forres. It is abundant in the 
valleys of the highlands of Inverness and Perthshire, also in 
Argyll, Dumfriesshire, Roxburghshire, Selkirk, and the Islands 
of Arran and Mull. In Ireland it is unknown. Abroad it is 
common and generally distributed through Central and 
Southern Europe, and its range extends into Asia Minor and 
Armenia, also southern Siberia. 
Time of Appearance. This butterfly is single brooded, 
appearing on the wing during the last few days of July and 
throughout August. 
Hibernation. Hibernation is passed in the larval state from 
October until the latter half of March. It remains motionless 
throughout the winter months, therefore it undergoes com¬ 
plete torpidity for five months. 
Egg Laying. The eggs are laid singly on the blades of the 
Blue Moor Grass. Unlike most other butterflies, this species 
The Scotch Argus 
(i ab . captured at Carnforth, 1894). 
