Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus)

The Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus) is a charming butterfly commonly found in grassy habitats. It is named after the distinctive ring-shaped eyespots on its wings, which provide excellent camouflage and protection against predators. Its dark brown coloration and understated beauty make it a favorite among butterfly enthusiasts.

Physical Description

• Size:
  • Wingspan: 40–52 mm (1.6–2.0 inches).
• Coloration:
  • Upperwings: Dark brown with subtle, lighter margins.
  • Undersides: Lighter brown with several cream-edged black eyespots, often arranged symmetrically.
  • The number and size of eyespots can vary between individuals.
• Antennae: Clubbed and used for navigation and detecting mates.

Behavior

• Flight Period:
  • Active from late June to early August.
• Activity:
  • Often seen flying in slow, fluttering patterns close to the ground.
  • Prefers shady areas and remains active even in overcast weather, unlike many other butterflies.
• Diet:
  • Adults feed on nectar from bramble, thistles, and other wildflowers.
  • Caterpillars feed on grasses such as cock’s-foot (Dactylis glomerata) and false brome (Brachypodium sylvaticum).

Habitat

• Found in damp, grassy environments such as:
  • Woodland clearings and edges.
  • Meadows and pastures.
  • Hedgerows and road verges.

Life Cycle

1. Eggs:
   • Laid singly on grass blades in midsummer.
2. Caterpillars:
   • Pale green with faint stripes, feeding nocturnally on grasses.
   • Overwinter in the larval stage.
3. Pupa:
   • Suspended near the ground among grasses, with a pale brown appearance.
4. Adults:
   • Emerge in early summer and live for around three weeks.

Distribution

• Widely distributed across Europe, including the UK, and into Asia.
• Prefers temperate climates and is common in suitable habitats.

Conservation Status

• Classified as Least Concern, with stable populations.
• Locally threatened by habitat loss due to agricultural intensification and changes in land use.

Ecological Role

1. Pollination:
   • Plays a role in pollinating wildflowers while feeding on nectar.
2. Food Source:
   • Serves as prey for birds, spiders, and predatory insects.

Interesting Facts

1. Weather Resilience:
   • Unlike many butterflies, the Ringlet is active on cloudy days, giving it an advantage in cooler climates.
2. Eyespots:
   • The ringed eyespots are thought to deter predators by mimicking the eyes of larger animals.
3. Variation:
   • The number and size of eyespots vary geographically and individually, showcasing the species’ adaptability.

Summary

The Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus) is a hardy and adaptable butterfly, perfectly suited to damp, grassy habitats. Its subtle beauty and ecological importance as a pollinator and prey species make it a valuable part of its ecosystem. Conserving its habitats ensures the continued success of this delightful butterfly.

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

Common tiger (Danaus genutia)

Orange Tip Butterfly (Anthocharis cardamines)

Comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album)

Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)

Orange gull (Cepora judith)

Green hairstreak (Callophrys rubi)

Common copper (Lycaena phlaeas)

Mazarine Blue (Cyaniris semiargus)

Blue glassy tiger (Ideopsis similis)

Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius)

Download full size image The Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) is a charming butterfly species belonging to the family Nymphalidae, known for its striking appearance and widespread distribution across Europe and parts of Asia. Here's a detailed description: Physical Characteristics: The Small Tortoiseshell butterfly is of medium size, with a wingspan typically ranging from 45 to 55 millimeters. It displays a distinctive pattern of bright orange wings bordered by a black band with white spots. The forewings also feature a row of blue crescents near the outer edge, while the hindwings have a series of blue spots and a border of black and yellow. The undersides of the wings are mottled brown, providing effective camouflage when the butterfly is at rest. Habitat and Distribution: Small Tortoiseshell butterflies are commonly found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, grasslands, woodlands, gardens, and urban areas. They are distributed across much of Europe, including the British Isles, Scandinavia, and the Mediterranean region, as well as parts of Asia, such as Siberia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. They are particularly abundant in temperate regions with diverse plant species. Behavior and Life Cycle: Small Tortoiseshell butterflies are diurnal and active during the warmer months of the year, especially in spring and summer. They are strong and agile flyers, often seen fluttering among flowers in search of nectar and mates. The females lay eggs singly on the leaves of stinging nettles (Urtica spp.), which serve as the primary larval host plant. The caterpillars hatch from the eggs and feed on the leaves of the host plants before pupating and emerging as adult butterflies. Conservation Status: The Small Tortoiseshell is not considered globally threatened and is generally common and widespread throughout its range. However, like many butterfly species, it may face localized threats due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation caused by agricultural intensification, urbanization, and climate change. Conservation efforts focused on preserving and restoring habitats, protecting larval host plants, and minimizing human disturbance are crucial for ensuring the long-term survival of this iconic butterfly species. Overall, the Small Tortoiseshell butterfly is a beautiful and ecologically important species, valued for its striking appearance, graceful flight, and role in pollination and ecosystem functioning. Its presence adds vibrancy and vitality to natural landscapes and serves as a symbol of the rich biodiversity of the regions where it is found.

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

False heath fritillary (Melitaea diamina)

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

Northern chequered skipper (Carterocephalus silvicola)

Mazarine Blue (Cyaniris semiargus)

Chestnut heath (Coenonympha glycerion)

Lesser marbled fritillary (Brenthis ino)

Common tiger (Danaus genutia)

European peacock (Inachis io)

Green hairstreak (Callophrys rubi)

Julia Heliconian (Dryas iulia)

Mazarine Blue (Cyaniris semiargus)

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius)

Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)

Common blue (Polyommatus icarus)

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