The Piedmont Ringlet is one of the more easily found Erebia species in European, being found at lower levels than some of its relatives too. It is very similar to the DePrunner’s Ringlet which flies slightly earlier; the current species has a small subapical spot which is slightly offset towards the outer margin. It was one of the commonest species around when I visited the Pyrenees, being found at a variety of altitudes and habitats.

Distribution: The mountains of central Spain, through S and central France, Switzerland to Bavaria, E Austria and the Appenines of C Italy.

Flight Period: May-August, usually peaking in July.

Habitat: Grassy hillsides, woodland edges, field margins, sunny woodland clearings, lightly-wooded scrub from 600-2300m.

Foodplants: Various grasses (Poaceae).

Nectar Sources: Hawkweeds (Hieracium), scabiouses (Knautia), thymes (Thymus), Betony (Betonica officinalis), knapweeds (Centaurea), Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare).

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