Black Mountain Ringlet
Common NameBlack Mountain Ringlet
Scientific NameErebia mackinleyensis
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, black, white
HabitatAlpine tundra, rocky slopes, high elevation meadows
Geographic RangeAlaska (USA), Yukon Territory (Canada)
Host Plantsgrasses, sedges
Flight PeriodLate June to early August
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae feed on grasses and sedges, typically overwintering in an early instar stage.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its uniform dark brown wings and the prominent white-pupiled eyespots on both forewings and hindwings, found exclusively in high-altitude alpine environments.
Description
A medium-sized, dark brown butterfly with a velvety appearance, featuring prominent white spots within a darker patch on both forewings and hindwings.
