Common Ringlet
ExploreInsects
Common Ringlet
Coenonympha california
The Common Ringlet is a small butterfly with beautiful brown wings. It loves to flutter around grassy areas and is often seen on sunny days, making it a delightful sight for nature lovers.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Common Ringlet has plain brown to orange-brown wings, often with small, dark eyespots circled in yellow near the wing edges. It is less colourful than many butterflies, typically appearing subtle and muted compared to brighter species.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNymphalidaeGenusCoenonympha
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
A tiny caterpillar munching on grass transforms into this beautiful butterfly inside a chrysalis!
Instead of a mouth, adult Ringlets have a long, straw-like 'proboscis' to sip sweet flower nectar.
Male butterflies often chase females in mid-air with their wiggly flight to impress them!
They don't have ears, but they can feel vibrations in the air to sense danger!
Special abilities
Ability
Predator Pretender
Common Ringlet has tiny eyespots on its wings that trick predators into attacking less vital body parts, helping them escape.
Ability
Zigzag Escape
Common Ringlet can fly with a low, erratic, 'dancing' flight pattern to make it harder for birds and other predators to catch them.
Ability
Sun Power
Common Ringlet can bask in the sun to warm up their bodies, allowing them to fly and be active even on cooler days.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 30-45 mm
- Size
- 15-22 mm
- Lifespan
- 10-25 days
- Flight Speed
- 5-15 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Larvae munch on grasses, while adult butterflies sip sweet nectar from flowers.
Age differences: Larvae eat various grasses, while adults feed exclusively on liquid nectar and sometimes sap.
Primary Foods
- grasses (larvae)
- flower nectar (adults)
- tree sap (adults)
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
American Robin
Turdus migratorius
A common bird that preys on butterflies.
pollinates
Common Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
Visits its flowers, transferring pollen.
depends on
Kentucky Bluegrass
Poa pratensis
Its larvae feed on this grass species.
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.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
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.
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
Butterflies are gentle, but it's best to watch them from a distance and not touch them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Common Ringlet's wingspan?
30-45 mm
How big is Common Ringlet?
15-22 mm
How long does Common Ringlet live?
10-25 days
How fast can Common Ringlet fly?
5-15 km/h
What does Common Ringlet eat?
Larvae munch on grasses, while adult butterflies sip sweet nectar from flowers.
Where is Common Ringlet usually found?
Grasslands
How does Common Ringlet hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Common Ringlet have?
6
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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Where to spot
Park47 sightings7 species
British Columbia, CA
White Lake Grasslands Protected Area
You might spot Bitterroot, Arrowleaf Balsamroot, and Western Stoneseed.
View guide →
Park60 sightings6 species
Washington, US
American Camp - San Juan Island National Historical Park
You might spot Red Fox, Ghost Pipe, and Blackberry Bush.
View guide →
Park7 sightings6 species
Pennsylvania, US
Denton Hill State Park
You might spot New York Fern, Common Milkweed, and True Sedges.
View guide →
Park6 sightings3 species
Manitoba, CA
Spruce Woods Provincial Park
You might spot Prairie Skink, Smooth Greensnake, and Admiral Butterfly.
View guide →
