Plebejus argus
This attractive little blue butterfly is intimately associated with heathland, but it only thrives in Sussex where there is a high-level of focussed, conservation effort. In West Sussex, there are colonies at Chapel Common (on the West Sussex/Hampshire border), and at Iping and Stedham Commons near Midhurst. In East Sussex, there are several small, scattered colonies at Ashdown Forest.
The male Silver-studded Blue is a very distinctive butterfly. The background colour is a medium inky-blue, and it has a wide blackish outer rim, with a pure white fringe. The female is brown with a row of orange lunules along the rear edge of the hindwing, with variable indistinct orange smudges bordering the forewings. It would be difficult to confuse Silver-studded Blues with any other British butterfly species.
Between 2006-2024 an “average first sighting” was June 8th (range, May 26th to June 19th), with peak numbers seen in the last week of June and the first week of July. Some of Ashdown Forest is situated 200 metres above sea level, which means cold days and even colder nights. It’s no surprise that the early sightings at Ashdown Forest are two weeks later than Iping and Stedham Commons, where it is that little bit warmer. The “average last sighting” was July 24th (range, June 30th to August 20th). August 20th rings true, but June 30th seems to be a very early date. It’s probably a reflection of the habits of butterfly enthusiasts, as much as anything. Members want to photograph very fresh specimens and therefore they go early in the season, but are rather less likely to re-visit at the tail-end of the season when the butterflies are worn and tatty.
Bell Heather is the main larval foodplant on Iping and Stedham Commons. Common Heather and Gorse are also mentioned in the literature.
There are two sites in West Sussex, Chapel Common at SU822287 and Iping Common LNR at SU846221 and the adjacent Stedham Common LNR at SU856217. In East Sussex, head for Ashdown Forest (Camp Hill) at TQ473292.
Male Silver-studded Blue resting on Heather – photo by Graham Hubbard
Male perched on Heather flowerhead – photo by Dave Brown
Female with open wings – photo by Graham Hubbard
Male with open wings – photo by Katrina Watson
Female with closed wings – photo by Katrina Watson
A mating pair – photo by Graham Hubbard
Perched male - photo by Katrina Watson
Perched male - photo by John Williams
Male on Bell Heather - photo by Simon Linington
Butterfly Conservation Silver-studded Blue
