Mountain Ringlet
Erebia epiphronIn the remote and rugged landscapes of the Lake District and the Scottish Highlands hides a small but determined little butterfly, full of character - the Mountain Ringlet. The UK’s only true mountain species, they brave harsh weather conditions in return for wild and spectacular scenery. They have a fuzzy black body and rich, chocolate-y coloured wings and eyes. These adaptations help Mountain Ringlets blend in with their surroundings but are also important for keeping them warm. They will only fly for a few short weeks and only very active in bright, sunny weather, making them one of the trickiest UK butterflies to spot!
Hardy and hiding in the Highlands
Mountain Ringlets can be found in upland grassland, mountains and rocky slopes, as high as 900m in areas of Scotland.
They spend most of their lives close to the ground among tussocky grasses, which is also what they feed on as caterpillars.
Mountain Ringlet populations are highly sensitive to climate change, which is altering its numbers year-on-year and driving the species to higher ground.
Their flight period is short so, if you want to spot them, you’ll have to be quick. But it’ll be all the more special if you do.
Vibes
Each butterfly is scored out of 100 across a set of traits, from how bold and visible it is to how far it travels or how particular it is about where it lives. These scores compare each species with the other butterflies in Britain, helping you see their differences at a glance. Here’s what makes the Mountain Ringlet special.
Bright colours, bold patterns, and a love of the spotlight. Some butterflies just can’t help showing off.
Fast, or throwing some seriously impressive moves, these butterflies are in a flutter.
Always on guard, ready to hide or defend - these butterflies have self-preservation down to an art.
It’s ok to be a little… well, weird. These butterflies have been certified with the freak factor.
Like Goldilocks, everything has to be just right for these perfectionists.
Hard to spot and even harder to forget, these butterflies are a true one of a kind.
Bold, curious, and ready to explore, these brave butterflies live for the thrill and aren’t afraid to travel.
Weather-resistant, battle-hardened, and built to survive, these butterflies know how to take it on the wing.
The Mountain Ringlet is the UK’s only true mountain butterfly, surviving at heights of up to 900m in the Scottish Highlands.
Test your knowledge
What makes the Mountain Ringlet especially hard to spot?Mountain Ringlets are only active for a few short weeks each year and only in warm, sunny conditions. Oh, and you’ll need to be in either the Lake District or Scottish mountains.
Does the Mountain Ringlet get your vote?