Erebia oeme

Bright Eyed Ringlet

euroButterflies

by Matt Rowlings

copyright © 2003-2024

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Valais, Switzerland, June 2019

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SE Serbia, June 2012

Field notes and information

Characterised by small orange markings containing black spots with bright white pupils. Often common.

Identification & Similar species: Very similar to the woodland ringlet E. medusa . They share the same ranges except the Pyrenees. The current species flies later in the season but there is overlap in June. The key feature is the colour of the underside of the antennal tip - black in the current species, brown in E. medusa.

Distribution & Flight: Pyrenees, Massif Central, Alps (not south France) and Balkan mountains. One of the earlier Erebias on the wing, it flies from mid June and is usually over by early August.

Habitat & Behaviour: Woodland clearings and roadside verges at lower levels, often damp meadows higher up. Generally flies from 1500 to 2500m but also found around 1000m. Frequently rests deep in long grass which makes photography tricky.

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Valais, Switzerland, June 2017

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Valais, Switzerland, June 2022

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Vaud, Switzerland, July 2020

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Valais, Switzerland, July 2021

Black antennal tips separate the bright eyed ringlet E. oeme from the often very similar woodland ringlet E. medusa

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SE Serbia, June 2012

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Vaud, Switzerland, July 2020

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Vaud, Switzerland, June 2020

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Valais, Switzerland, July 2020

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Valais, Switzerland, June 2019

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Vaud, Switzerland, July 2019

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Vaud, Switzerland, July 2015

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Hautes-Pyrénées, France, July 2017

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Valais, Switzerland, June 2017

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SE Serbia, June 2012

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SW Serbia, June 2012

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Udine, Italy, July 2014

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Rila Mts, Bulgaria, July 2004

From spodia.