Another fairly common species especially in Ireland; it is often the most abundant butterfly in some areas. It is often just as ubiquitous as the Meadow Brown, but usually it favours slightly damper areas in my experience. It is a dark brown butterfly that is fairly unmistakable at rest, more closely resembling a dark heath (Coenonympha) rather than a ringlet (Erebia) species.

Distribution: Widespread in Europe but absent from much of the Mediterranean, Iberia and Fennoscandia.

Flight Period: June-August in 1 brood, peaking late June/early July in Ireland.

Habitat: Damp meadows, bogland margins, dry grassland, light scrub, woodland clearings and edges up to around 1600m.

Foodplants: A variety of grasses (Poaceae).

Nectar Sources: Ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris), brambles (Rubus), thistles (Cirsium), knapweeds (Centaurea), Marjoram (Origanum majorana).

<Prev
Next>