Ringlet, Aphantopus hyperantus
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Identification
Medium sized; wingspan, 45mm to 55mm.
Both sexes are velvety dark brown with a conspicuous white fringe to both sets of wings. Typically there is a pair of eyespots on both forewings and between two and five eyespots on each hindwing. Each eyespot consists of a white centre surrounded by a dark brown ring which, itself, id surrounded by a golden or yellow ring. The undersides of the wings are identically colour-patterned like the upper surfaces but the ringed eyespots are much clearer.
Behaviour and life history
The Ringlet is a colonial species and tends not to wander far from its breeding colony which is centred on coarse grassland, often in rather damper locations. The species overwinters as a caterpillar to emerge in the spring to feed on grasses. It pupates during June before emerging as an adult in July.
Where to look for it
It particularly favours warm, but damper, coarse grasslands that are well sheltered from the wind. It will also frequent nearby shrubs and hedgerows. It is frequently seen in urban gardens but avoids extensive areas of regularly mown grassland such as is found in parks.
Distribution and status
It is common and widespread wherever suitable habitats occur in the city.
When to look for it
Late June to early August.
Similar species
At a close distance, its numerous eyespots distinguish it from all other brown butterflies. At a further distance and on the wing it is easily confusable with the Meadow Brown, Maniola jurtina, although its darker velvety brown colouration combined with the conspicuously white-fringed wings may often be sufficient to separate it.