(Freyer, 1836)
Eriphyle Ringlet
Description:
The Eriphyle Ringlet occurs locally in the Alps and is one of the smaller ringlets. It is a characteristic species of the north-facing slopes, occurring on rough, herbaceous vegetation in the alpine and sub-alpine zones, where there are plenty of alder (Alnus spp.) saplings. They are often found in places where the conspicuous plants Adenostyles alliariae and Masterwort (Peucedanum ostruthium) are growing. It uses Sweet-Vernal-grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum) and Tufted Hair-grass (Deschampsia cespitosa) as food plants.
Some of the caterpillars leave the egg before the winter, but the rest hibernate in the egg and emerge in the spring, when they all start feeding on grasses. In the autumn, they hibernate again and moult twice before pupating at the end of May.
Habitat:
Alpine grasslands
Similar species:
Erebia manto
Erebia epiphron
Erebia melampus