Lesser Mountain Ringlet
Common NameLesser Mountain Ringlet
Scientific NameErebia melampus
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, orange, black
HabitatAlpine meadows, rocky slopes, subalpine zones
Geographic RangeEuropean Alps, Pyrenees, Carpathians, Balkan mountains
Host Plantsvarious grasses (Poaceae)
Flight PeriodJuly to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on grass blades. Larvae feed on grasses and typically overwinter once or twice before pupating.
Identification TipsLook for dark brown wings with a distinct orange submarginal band on both forewings and hindwings, containing 2-4 small black ocelli on the forewing and 2-3 on the hindwing, often without white pupils.
Description
A small, dark brown butterfly with prominent orange bands on both forewings and hindwings, each band containing several small black spots (ocelli).
