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