The Scotch Argus is similar in appearance to the Meadow Brown butterfly, but is darker in color, (almost black) when new.

   The Argus also has more spots on the dorsal wing side and eight eyespots on the front wing ventral side. 

   Males tend to be more black and females tend to be more brown.

   The number of eyespots on the dorsal side is somewhat variable but is usually three in males and four in females.

   They typically fly only when the sun is shining, but will be active as soon as the sun rises in the early morning.

   On warmer days males sometimes fly in duller, less sunny conditions.

   The Scotch Argus emergences very late in the season.

   They can typically be seen flying from the last week of July through the end of August.