Durham Argus

A sub-species of Northern Brown Argus butterfly, this rare sub-species can be found in and around County Durham. Populations are found in areas that contain Common rockrose which is the favoured food plant of both the adults and the caterpillars. While there is no population north of the Durham coast, efforts by Coast Sunderland have seen successful planting of rockrose in an attempt to attract them to the area.

A significant threat facing Durham Argus butterflies is habitat loss and the destruction of their food plants. Anti-social behaviour such as off-road motorcycles and fires can lead to habitat damage and prevent common rockrose growth along the coast.