Mountain Ringlet
ExploreInsects
Mountain Ringlet
erebia epiphron
The Mountain Ringlet is a small, elusive butterfly that thrives in the crisp, cool air of high-altitude alpine and subalpine meadows. As one of the few true mountain butterflies, it is uniquely adapted to survive in harsh, windswept environments where few other species can endure. A member of the 'browns' subfamily, it spends the majority of its life as a caterpillar safely tucked into the bases of tough mountain grasses under the winter snow. When summer finally arrives and the snow retreats, the adult butterflies emerge for a brief, frantic flight period, bringing a flutter of dark wings and orange spots to the rugged mountain terrain.
Habitat: Typically found in high-altitude alpine grasslands, damp upland moorlands, and rugged subalpine meadows rich in native tussock grasses.
Appearance
The Mountain Ringlet is a relatively small butterfly with a wingspan of about 3 to 4 centimeters. Its wings are a deep, velvety dark brown, adorned with a series of reddish-orange bands or patches near the outer edges. Inside these orange patches are small, unpupilled black spots—the distinct 'ringlets' that give the species its name. The underside of the wings is similarly patterned but slightly paler, providing excellent camouflage when the butterfly rests with its wings closed among the alpine rocks and dry grasses.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNymphalidaeGenusErebia
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Because the weather at high altitudes can be so poor, adults may only get a few hours of suitable flying conditions during their brief 2 to 3 week lifespan.
Caterpillars are known to hibernate through the long mountain winters, sometimes taking two full years to complete their lifecycle if conditions remain too cold.
The Mountain Ringlet is Britain's only true alpine butterfly, surviving at elevations where no other butterfly species can breed.
Special abilities
Ability
Solar Basking Wings
The butterfly's dark brown wing coloration allows it to rapidly absorb solar radiation to warm its flight muscles in cold alpine environments.
Ability
Alpine Resilience
Adapted to extreme cold, the caterpillars can overwinter multiple times if the mountain summer is too short for them to reach maturity.
Ability
Ground-Hugging Flight
Adults fly very close to the ground, utilizing microclimates and avoiding being swept away by strong, unpredictable mountain winds.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 1-2 cm
- Wingspan
- 3-4 cm
- Weight
- 0.0001-0.0003 kg
- Lifespan
- 1-2 years
- Top Speed
- 8 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 40-80
- Incubation
- 10-14 days
Diet & Feeding
The caterpillars feed exclusively on tough alpine grasses, while the adult butterflies opportunistically drink nectar from low-growing mountain flowers.
Age differences: Larvae consume grass leaves, while adults rely entirely on floral nectar for energy.
Primary Foods
- Mat-grass (Nardus stricta)
- Sheep's fescue (Festuca ovina)
- Tormentil nectar
- Thyme nectar
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
host plant
Mat-grass
Nardus stricta
Provides the primary food source for Mountain Ringlet caterpillars.
eaten by
Meadow Pipit
Anthus pratensis
Insectivorous upland birds prey on adult butterflies and caterpillars.
mutualism
Common Tormentil
Potentilla erecta
Adult butterflies feed on its nectar and aid in pollination.
Traits
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Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Mountain Ringlet?
The easiest way to identify Mountain Ringlet is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Mountain Ringlet?
1-2 cm
What is Mountain Ringlet's wingspan?
3-4 cm
How much does Mountain Ringlet weigh?
0.0001-0.0003 kg
How long does Mountain Ringlet live?
1-2 years
How fast can Mountain Ringlet move?
8 km/h
What does Mountain Ringlet eat?
The caterpillars feed exclusively on tough alpine grasses, while the adult butterflies opportunistically drink nectar from low-growing mountain flowers.
Where is Mountain Ringlet usually found?
Typically found in high-altitude alpine grasslands, damp upland moorlands, and rugged subalpine meadows rich in native tussock grasses.
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