description Mountain Ringlet Overview
*Erebia epiphron*, commonly known as the Mountain Ringlet, is a butterfly species belonging to the family Nymphalidae. It is notable for being the only butterfly species native to the British Isles that is strictly adapted to alpine and subalpine environments. These butterflies are confined to high-altitude grasslands, typically above 350 meters, in the Lake District and the Scottish Highlands. They rely on specific mat-grass habitats where their larvae feed and develop.
help Mountain Ringlet FAQ
What makes the Mountain Ringlet unusual among British butterflies?
Erebia epiphron is Britain's only true montane or alpine butterfly, meaning it is restricted to mountain habitats rather than ordinary lowland grassland. In Britain its main areas are the Scottish Highlands and the English Lake District. [Butterfly Conservation](https://butterfly-conservation.org/butterflies/mountain-ringlet)
Where does the Mountain Ringlet live and what do its caterpillars eat?
Colonies occupy open grassy mountain slopes, often around 500 to 800 meters in Britain, with damp sheltered patches especially important. The larvae feed mainly on Mat-grass, Nardus stricta. [UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme](https://ukbms.org/species/mountain-ringlet)
When can you see a Mountain Ringlet?
Adults usually fly for only about three weeks in June, though records can run from late May to mid-July depending on weather. They are most active in bright sunshine and often stay low among grass tussocks when conditions are cool or cloudy. [Butterfly Conservation](https://butterfly-conservation.org/news-and-blog/species-of-the-month-mountain-ringlet)
How can I tell a Mountain Ringlet from a Scotch Argus?
The Mountain Ringlet is smaller and dark brown with orange-ringed black spots that lack the white centers typical of a Scotch Argus. Butterfly Conservation gives an adult wingspan of about 35 to 38 millimeters. [Butterfly Conservation](https://butterfly-conservation.org/butterflies/mountain-ringlet)
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