Mountain Ringlet
Common NameMountain Ringlet
Scientific NameErebia epiphron
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)37
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, orange, black
HabitatHigh-altitude alpine meadows, grassy mountain slopes, subalpine zones
Geographic RangeEuropean mountain ranges (Alps, Pyrenees, Carpathians, Sudetes, Balkan Mountains, Apennines, Scottish Highlands)
Host Plantsmat-grass (*Nardus stricta*), fescue (*Festuca* spp.), bentgrass (*Agrostis* spp.)
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on grasses and typically overwinter twice before pupating. Pupation occurs on the ground among grass stems.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its small size, dark brown coloration, and the characteristic orange patches with small, unpupilled black eyespots on the forewings. Found exclusively in high-altitude grassy habitats.
Description
A small, dark brown butterfly with prominent orange patches on the forewings, each containing one to three small, unpupilled black eyespots. The hindwings may also have faint orange patches and eyespots.
