Male, Switzerland, July 2006

Male, Switzerland, July 2006

Male, Switzerland, July 2006 (with idas blue)

Male, Switzerland, July 2006

Male, Switzerland, July 2006

Male, many years ago, in Switzerland

Female, I can't remember when, in Switzerland

The same female

Examining the underside of this high Alpine butterfly is the most reliable way to identify it. The plain background with conspicuous white spots, lacking pupils, is unmistakeable and the same in both sexes. Near where I live in Switzerland, Alpine arguses are widespread at altitude but never abundant. The males often drink in the company of other blues at wet patches on the ground.