Wednesday, 15 February 2012
Ringlet Butterfly
Scientific Name:
Aphantopus hyperantus
Wingspan (mm):
48 mm Description
Dark brown butterfly. Underwing has distinctive eyespots: white centre, black inner ring and outer yellow ring. Similar to male Meadow Brown. When newly emerged, the Ringlet has a velvety appearance and is almost black, with a white fringe to the wings. The small circles on the underwings, which give the butterfly its name, vary in number and size and may be enlarged and elongated or reduced to small white spots; occasionally they lack the black ring.
Distribution
This widespread butterfly has extended it range in England and Scotland in recent years.
Habitat
Tall grassland is used, mainly in damp situations in partial shade on heavy soils where grasses are lush, especially in woodland rides and glades. The butterfly also occurs on commons, verges, and riverbanks, especially on clay soils. In northern areas, it is found in more open, less shady, situations.
Diet
Coarser grasses are used, including Cock's-foot, False Brome, Tufted Hair-grass, Common Couch, and meadow-grasses. Other species of grass may also be used.
Status
UK BAP status: not listed Butterfly Conservation priority: low European threat status: not threatened