Invertebrates
Ringlet
Aphantopus hyperantus
On a grey July afternoon, when most butterflies have gone to ground, a dark ringlet flutters along a damp woodland ride, the yellow-ringed spots on its underside flashing as it settles.
Overview
The ringlet, Aphantopus hyperantus, is a Least Concern butterfly of damp grassland, hedgerows, and woodland rides across Europe and much of temperate Asia. Its velvety dark wings, ringed eyespots, and willingness to fly in poor weather make it one of the most easily recognised browns of high summer.
A brown that likes dull days
Many butterflies need sunshine to warm up, but the ringlet will fly through cloud and light drizzle, which lets it feed and breed when others cannot.
Status
Least Concern, widespread and expanding northward in parts of Britain.
Ringlet: common questions
Why is it called the ringlet?
It is named for the row of small black eyespots ringed with yellow on the underside of its wings.
Does the ringlet fly in the rain?
It flies in dull weather and even light drizzle, when many other butterflies stay settled.
How does the ringlet lay its eggs?
Females drop their eggs freely among the grass as they flutter low over it.
Where is the ringlet found?
It lives in damp grassland, hedgerows, and woodland rides across Europe and much of temperate Asia.