Erebia melas

Black Ringlet

euroButterflies

by Matt Rowlings

copyright © 2003-2025

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Photo: melas1.jpg

N Macedonia, Greece, August 2008

Photo: melas4.jpg

S Greece, July 2007

Field notes and information

A really black species, lacking any of the orange patches typical of this genus. Found sporadically in southeast Europe from Slovenia and Romania and southwards.

Identification & Similar species: When fresh it is jet black with intense white points. Quite unlike any other species.

Distribution & Flight: Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, and mountains running parallel the Adriatic coast from Slovenia and southwards. Mid July/ September. I've found it fairly worn at the end of July in south Greece but fresh in north Greece in mid August.

Habitat & Behaviour: Rocks and grassy slopes at high altitudes near the summits of hills and mountains.

Photo: melas18.jpg

Macedonia, Greece, July 2016

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Macedonia, Greece, July 2016

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S Greece, July 2007

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Macedonia, Greece, July 2016

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N Macedonia, Greece, August 2008

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S Greece, July 2007

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Macedonia, Greece, July 2016

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Macedonia, Greece, July 2016

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S Greece, July 2007

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Macedonia, Greece, July 2016

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S Greece, July 2007