Erebia triaria on euroButterflies by Matt Rowlings

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Erebia triaria

de Prunner's Ringlet

euroButterflies

by Matt Rowlings

Valais, Switzerland, June 2012

Valais, Switzerland, May 2022

Field notes and information

An early flying Erebia, well over by mid June in most places. It can be common in places, but it does wander over significant distances and is most often found singly.

Identification & Similar species: The key distinguishing features are the early flight time and the subapical spot on the forewing which is well in line with its two neighbours. The underside has a mottled roughened appearance. It is similar to the Piedmont ringlet, E. meolans, which flies later in the year and in which the subapical spot, if present, is out of line, displaced outwards towards the apex. The underside is relatively uniform in the basal area and lacks the mottling.

Distribution & Flight: Sporadic in Spain, the Alps and in the Balkans. Flies from late April to mid June but may last until July.

Habitat & Behaviour: Grassy places, usually warm. Wanders widely and often found singly.

Variation: Highly variable in most respects, including the size, but not the position, of the characteristic forewing subapical spot.