Stygian Ringlet
Common NameStygian Ringlet
Scientific NameErebia aethiops
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorsdark brown, reddish-orange, black, white
HabitatGrassy meadows, forest clearings, open woodlands, often in hilly or mountainous regions.
Geographic RangeCentral and Northern Europe, extending eastwards into parts of Asia.
Host PlantsPoa, Festuca, Brachypodium, Nardus
Flight PeriodJuly to August
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on various grasses and overwinter, typically pupating in the spring. The species is univoltine, producing one generation per year.
Identification TipsKey features include the dark brown wings with a reddish-orange band on both forewings and hindwings, containing white-pupilled black eyespots. The underside of the hindwing is often mottled grey-brown.
Description
A medium-sized dark brown butterfly with a prominent reddish-orange band on the hindwing, featuring two distinct black eyespots, each with a small white pupil.
