Regional Species


Ringlet
Aphantopus hyperantus

Photograph by Janet Graham

Regional Species

Ringlets can be found in areas of rank grassland, for example in woodland clearings or abandoned fields, and in such situations the population density can be surprisingly high. The butterfly is probably more common now than at any time in the recent past.

The butterfly is on the wing in high summer and has a fairly short flight period lasting from late June to early August. The larvae feed on coarse grasses such as Cock’s-foot (Dactylis glomerata) but the eggs are not laid directly on the grass but rather are scattered randomly in the vicinity. Feeding activity is largely nocturnal.

At a casual glance this butterfly could be confused with the Meadow Brown but the prominent eye-spots on the underside are distinctive. In flight the butterfly appears darker than the Meadow Brown and there is a pale fringe to the wings, which is quite easy to see and provides a useful distinguishing character.