Alpine Grayling
Common NameAlpine Grayling
Scientific NameOeneis bore
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)48
Primary Colorsorange, brown, black, white
HabitatAlpine tundra, rocky slopes, open subarctic areas
Geographic RangeCircumpolar arctic and subarctic regions (North America, Europe, Asia)
Host Plantsgrasses, sedges
Flight PeriodLate June to August
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on grasses and sedges, often taking two years to develop in cold climates, overwintering as larvae.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive cryptic pattern on the hindwing underside and the single prominent eyespot on the forewing underside. Typically found in high-altitude, rocky environments.
Description
This butterfly has an orange-brown forewing underside with a single black eyespot, and a cryptically patterned hindwing underside featuring intricate dark brown, grey, and white marbling.
