Common Alpine
Common NameCommon Alpine
Scientific NameErebia epipsodea
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)42
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, orange, black
HabitatAlpine and subalpine meadows, open grassy areas, forest clearings
Geographic RangeWestern North America, from Alaska and Yukon south through the Rocky Mountains to New Mexico, and west to the Sierra Nevada
Host Plantsvarious grasses (Poaceae), sedges (Carex)
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host grasses. Larvae feed on grasses and typically overwinter as a larva, pupating in the spring.
Identification TipsKey features include the dark brown ground color, distinct orange-red submarginal bands, and the variable number of black eyespots (usually 2-3 prominent ones on the forewing, often with white pupils).
Description
A medium-sized dark brown butterfly with prominent orange-red submarginal bands on both forewings and hindwings, each band containing several black eyespots, often with white pupils.
