Ringlet

Aphantopus hyperantus (59.009)

The uppersides of a freshly emerged Ringlet have a velvety appearance, almost black in colour, fringed with white. Two small dark brown/black eye spots occur on the forewings with another two spots occur on the hindwings level with the tip of the abdomen although these spots can vary or be completely absent in some individuals.

Adult butterflies will fly even in dull weather, cloudy conditions or light rain when most other butterflies are inactive. They are commonly encountered nectaring on Bramble and Wild Privet flowers.

Habitat Requirements

Tall, lush grassland which occurs in damp locations partial shade on heavy soils, especially in woodland rides. The butterfly also occurs on commons, road verges, disused railway lines and riverbanks on clay soils.

Larval Foodplants

The larvae of the Ringlet feed on a variety of grasses including Cock's-foot (Dactylis glomerata), False Brome (Brachypodium sylvaticum), Tufted Hair-grass (Deschampsia cespitosa), Common Couch (Elytrigia repens) and Meadow Grass (Poa spp.).

Distribution in Warwickshire

See maps below. Distribution text required.

1995-2004

2005-2009

2010-2014

2015-2019