Hautes-Pyrenées, France, July 2017

Hautes-Pyrénées, France, July 2018

Field notes and information

Widespread and common in the Pyrenees, much more local and scarce in the Alps.

Identification & Similar species: This species is superficially similar to the de Prunner's Ringlet, E. triaria. That species flies earlier, and is usually over by July except at the highest altitudes. In the current species the subapical spot, which is often absent, is out of line with its neighbours.

Distribution & Flight: Sporadic from the Sierras of central Spain to southern Germany and central Italy.

Habitat & Behaviour: Grassy places in mountains, often in clearings in forests.

Variation: The butterflies I've found in the Alps are generally very dark on the underside.

Hautes-Pyrénées, France, July 2017

Asturias Mts, Spain, July 2011

Valais, Switzerland, June 2017

Valais, Switzerland, July 2020

Valais, Switzerland, July 2018

Alpes Maritimes, France, August 2004

Vaud, Switzerland, July 2006

Asturias Mts, Spain, July 2011

Vaud, Switzerland, July 2007

Hautes-Pyrénées, France, July 2018

Provence, France, July 2003