Sooty Ringlet
Common NameSooty Ringlet
Scientific NameErebia pluto
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsdark brown, black, orange
HabitatAlpine meadows, rocky slopes, scree fields
Geographic RangeEuropean Alps (France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Germany, Slovenia)
Host PlantsPoa, Festuca, Nardus stricta
Flight PeriodJuly to August
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUnivoltine, with larvae feeding on grasses and overwintering. Pupation occurs on the ground.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its very dark, almost black, coloration and preference for high alpine habitats. The reddish-orange forewing band is a key feature, though its prominence can vary.
Description
A medium-sized, very dark brown to black butterfly, often with a reddish-orange band on the forewing upperside, which may contain small black spots.
