Hautes Alpes, France, July 2008
Hautes Alpes, France, July 2004
Field notes and information
A widespread but usually uncommon species across the higher mountains of northern Spain and central and southeast Europe. Also from the northwest UK (Lake District and west Scotland).
Identification & Similar species: Similar to many of the smaller Erebia. It has fairly large black spots on the upperside, a relatively unmarked underside hindwing with no or tiny spots often surrounded with a very narrow reddish ring.
Distribution & Flight: Flies from mid June to August depending on location and altitude.
Habitat & Behaviour: Usually open grassy slopes, sometimes damp and often exposed.
Variation: Highly variable across the range, locally and individually. There are several subspecies across Europe and numerous named forms.
Hautes Alpes, France, July 2004
Hautes-Pyrénées, France, July 2018
Valais, Switzerland, June 2017
Hautes-Pyrénées, France, July 2018
Hautes Alpes, France, July 2012
Valais, Switzerland, August 2012
Valais, Switzerland, July 2006
Valais, Switzerland, July 2015
Valais, Switzerland, July 2015
Valais, Switzerland, July 2004
Grisons, Switzerland, July 2013
Hohe Tauern, Austria, July 2014
Valais, Switzerland, July 2011
Grisons, Switzerland, July 2003
Valais, Switzerland, July 2003
Valais, Switzerland, July 2003