Ringlet
Aphantopus hyperantusThe Ringlet is a dark, velvety butterfly marked with small eye spots to misdirect its predators. Comfortable in shade, you can often spot a Ringlet even when the other butterflies are hunkering down. They have a distinctive, gentle bobbing flight as they move through tall grasses in damp habitats like woodland rides, riverbanks and grasslands. Common across the UK, they are often overlooked despite their abundance.
The understated butterfly with a groove in its moves
Dark and velvety, the Ringlet is recognisable by the small eye-spots on its wings. It’s believed these spots work to misdirect those that would eat them, encouraging attacks on the wing edges rather than more vital body parts.
The shape and size of their eye-spots can vary, and on some Ringlets, they even take a form closer to a teardrop.
Ringlets fly quietly among tall grasses in damp areas, bobbing around in their distinctive flight pattern, often going unnoticed despite being really common across the UK. They make their homes in woodland rides, damp grasslands and riverbanks, and enjoy the nectar from Bramble.
The female lays her eggs in spectacular fashion, perching on a grass stem and firing them through the air onto nearby plants.
Don’t let a dim day stop you from finding them. The Ringlet also doesn’t mind flying on dull and cloudy days when other butterflies are lying low. It’s quite a gothy butterfly, really.
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 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.
Ringlets love shady spots and can often be seen flying when other butterflies stay hidden on cloudy days.
Test your knowledge
What makes Ringlets unusual compared to many other butterflies?Ringlets are happy to fly on dull, cloudy days when many other butterflies remain inactive.
Does the Ringlet get your vote?