Leucanthemum vulgare, also known as Oxeye Daisy and Dog Daisy.
(Description for the Butterfly Aricia agestis follows below)
Family: Asteraceae.
Grows up to 1m tall, flower heads to 5cm across.
Flower season: May to September.
A widespread plant native to Europe and Asia. Plant was introduced to Australia, New Zealand and North America. It likes a temperate climate where the average annual rainfall exceeds 750mm (30 inches). Favouring soils that are heavy and moist, often grows in neglected pastures and along roadsides. Being a typical grassland perennial wildflower, it can be found growing in a variety of habitats. Meadows, fields, under scrub and open-canopy forests, edge of woodlands is also an ideal habitat for the Oxeye Daisy.
A mature plant can produce up to 26,000 seeds, it can also multiply itself by its under-ground root system which continuously puts out lateral shoots to spread away from the mature plant. By spreading itself this way, it produces a negative effect to other native plants growing close by.
In over 40 countries it is considered to be an invasive species, it is also detrimental in meadows where livestock are to graze especially cattle.
This plant was top-raked for pollen production per flower head, in a U.K. study of meadow flowers.
Aricia agestis. Common name: Brown Argus Average wingspan 29mm
Flight Season… May to September.
Unlike most other blue species, the Brown Argus has no blue scales on the upper-side.
Found mainly in southern England and in some parts of Wales not found in Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of man.
Habitat… Most commonly found on chalk or limestone, this is where the ground suits the main food plants. Will also be found on heathland and in open woodland. This species stays local and in small colonies, will not travel more then a few hundred metres from where it emerged.
Generally speaking this species has two broods a year in central and southern England, if the weather is favourable then a third generation is possible.
The Brown Argus Caterpillar’s main food is common Rockrose (Helianthemum chamaecistus)
Ants are attracted to the caterpillar’s “sweet juices” it produces, as it grows bigger. Eventually they will take it underground and continue to “farm” the secretion from the caterpillar, until it turns into a chrysalis. This in turn, protects the caterpillar from predators.
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