Home > Animals > Insects > Butterflies > Scotch Argus
Scotch Argus butterfly, Erebia aethiops (Papilio blandina)
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Scotch Argus butterfly, Erebia aethiops (Papilio blandina)
Scotch Argus butterfly, Erebia aethiops (Papilio blandina). Handcoloured copperplate engraving by James Sowerby from The British Miscellany, or Coloured figures of new, rare, or little known animal subjects, London, 1804
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23203666
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Aethiops Argus Butterfly Erebia Figures Miscellany Papilio Rare Scotch Sowerby Subjects Zoological
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Animals
> Insects
> Butterflies
> Scotch Argus
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Related Images
> Mary Evans Prints Online
> New Images August 2021
EDITORS COMMENTS
This stunning handcoloured copperplate engraving depicts the Scotch Argus butterfly, Erebia aethiops (Papilio blandina). The intricate detail and vibrant colours bring to life this beautiful and elusive creature, native to Europe and Asia. The Scotch Argus, also known as the Blue Argus or the Mountain Argus, is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of around 5-6 centimeters. The upper surface of its wings is adorned with a striking pattern of black spots, outlined in white, and a row of small blue eyespots along the edge. The underside of the wings is a brilliant orange colour with black veins and white spots, providing excellent camouflage against the rocks and stones on which it rests. This exquisite illustration was created by the renowned English naturalist and artist, James Sowerby, for his publication "The British Miscellany, or Coloured figures of new, rare, or little known animal subjects," published in London in 1804. Sowerby was a leading figure in the field of zoological illustration, producing numerous works that documented the natural history of the world around him. The Scotch Argus is a fascinating creature, known for its ability to fly at high altitudes and its unique mating behaviour. Males fly in a zigzag pattern to attract females, who lay their eggs on the leaves of certain plants. The caterpillars feed on these plants and develop into chrysalises, which overwinter before emerging as adult butterflies the following year. This handcoloured copperplate engraving is a testament to the beauty and intrigue of the natural world, and a reminder of the important role that illustration plays in documenting and preserving the natural history of our planet.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
