Erebia nivalis

Bern, Switzerland, July 2009

de Lesse's Brassy Ringlet
Erebia nivalis

Distribution: Throughout the Alps of southern Austria with a remote population in central Switzerland.

Identification: Very similar to the other Brassy Ringlets. Key to identification is location, but even then the species has to be split from Common and/ or Swiss Brassy Ringlets (E. cassioides and E. tyndarus) with which it may fly in close proximity. Generally there is no overlap between species but this is possible in very small areas as shown in Peter Sonderegger's book "Die Erebien der Schweiz".

Flight time: mid July/ early August

Habitat: High mountains in rocky areas with grasses.

Behaviour: Flies over steep slopes, generally very difficult to approach.