Common Alpine
ExploreInsects
Common Alpine
Erebia epipsodea
The Common Alpine is a beautiful butterfly that loves to flutter around in the mountains. With its dark wings and orange spots, it looks like a tiny piece of art flying through the air!
Habitat: Mountain regions
Appearance
The Common Alpine is a medium-sized butterfly, typically dark brown with an orange-brown submarginal band on its wings. It often has prominent black eyespots, sometimes with white pupils, on its forewings. Its drab colors help it blend into rocky, high-altitude environments.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNymphalidaeGenusErebia
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adult Common Alpines only live for about two weeks, making every moment precious!
Its caterpillar stage spends winter frozen in the snow before becoming a butterfly!
Some people call them 'browns' because of their earthy, camouflaged wing colors.
You can often find them above the tree line, where few other butterflies dare to fly!
Special abilities
Ability
Cold Weather Flier
Common Alpine can fly in cooler mountain temperatures that help them stay active when other butterflies hide.
Ability
Rock Camouflage
Common Alpine has dark wings and patterns that help them blend perfectly into the rocky alpine landscape, avoiding predators.
Ability
Wobble Flight
Common Alpine can perform a low, bouncy flight pattern that helps them navigate windy mountain slopes more easily.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 40-50 mm
- Size
- 15-20 mm
- Lifespan
- 7-14 days
- Flight Speed
- 10 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adults sip sweet nectar from flowers, while caterpillars munch on grassy plants.
Age differences: Larvae primarily consume grasses and other low-growing plants, while adults feed exclusively on flower nectar.
Primary Foods
- nectar
- wildflowers
- grasses (larvae)
- forbs
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
depends on
Kentucky Bluegrass
Poa pratensis
Caterpillars feed on its leaves for growth.
pollinates
Aspen Fleabane
Erigeron speciosus
Adult butterflies sip nectar from its blossoms.
eaten by
Blue Jay
Cyanocitta cristata
Birds sometimes prey on unwary butterflies.
Traits
Spotted
Marked with spots or patches of a different color.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Mountain
This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Be gentle and quiet around butterflies so you don't scare them away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Common Alpine's wingspan?
40-50 mm
How big is Common Alpine?
15-20 mm
How long does Common Alpine live?
7-14 days
How fast can Common Alpine fly?
10 km/h
What does Common Alpine eat?
Adults sip sweet nectar from flowers, while caterpillars munch on grassy plants.
Where is Common Alpine usually found?
Mountain regions
How does Common Alpine hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Common Alpine have?
6
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