Brush-footed butterflies · Sweden

Ringlet

Aphantopus hyperantus

A dark brown skipper butterfly, recognisable by the yellow-ringed eyespots on the underside. It is common in Sweden through Jämtland and Västerbotten. The flight period extends from mid-June to mid-August.

Status in this countryCommon in SwedenLC (Least concern)

Flight period

Flying from mid-June to mid-August.

Habitat

Meadows with tall vegetation, surrounded by trees and shrubs, often near wetlands.

Identifying features

Wingspan 28–42 millimetres. On the upper side, the wings are uniformly dark brown, while the underside has a series of yellow-ringed eye spots on both pairs of wings. These yellow-ringed spots differentiate it from other Swedish grass butterflies.

Similar species

No similar species are described in the sources consulted.

Distribution

General in Sweden up to Jämtland, Åsele lappmark, and Västerbotten; more local further north.

Biology

The larvae feed on a variety of grasses and star grass.