Erebia ottomana ¦ Ottoman Brassy Ringlet ¦ euroButterflies

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Erebia ottomana

Ottoman Brassy Ringlet

euroButterflies

by Matt Rowlings

Pirin Mts, Bulgaria, July 2004

Macedonia, Greece, July 2016

Field notes and information

Sporadic distribution from Greece and Bulgaria to northeast Italy. Also from the Massif Central in France.

Identification & Similar species: The brassy ringlet group is very complex with 6 similar species in Europe. They never(?) fly together, although they may fly in close proximity, being separated for example by altitude. Species with overlapping ranges are listed below.

Overlaps with the common brassy ringlet E. cassioides in the southern Balkans and Mte Baldo in northeast Italy. The current species is larger, with much brighter orange markings.

Distribution & Flight: Sporadic distribution from Greece and Bulgaria to northeast Italy and also from the Massif Central in France. Flies in July and early August.

Habitat & Behaviour: Grassy slopes with stones and rocks often near trees and forests and open spaces above the tree line.

Variation: The less well marked form benacensis flies on Mte Baldo in northeast Italy. And from France, the form tardenota is smaller and darker.