Autumn ringlet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Autumn ringlet |
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| From the Langham and Wheeler collection of the Ulster Museum | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Erebia
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| Species: |
neoridas
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The autumn ringlet (Erebia neoridas) is a type of butterfly. It belongs to the Satyridae subfamily, which is part of the Nymphalidae family. This butterfly lives in high mountains. You can find it in the Pyrenees, Alps, and in Italy.
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About the Autumn Ringlet Butterfly
The autumn ringlet is a beautiful butterfly. It is known for its unique markings. These markings help it blend into its mountain home.
What Does it Look Like?
The autumn ringlet is smaller than some other butterflies, like the Aethiops. Its front wings have a light reddish-brown band. This band is wider near the top of the wing. In female butterflies, this band is more yellowish-red.
On this band, you can see two eye-like spots. These spots often have white centers. Sometimes, there is a third, smaller spot closer to the bottom of the wing. The back wings also have spots. These are usually four rounded or angled spots. Three or four of these spots often have tiny white centers.
When you look at the underside of the front wing, the band is a bit darker. The tip of the wing has a bluish-grey dusting. The underside of the back wing is grey-brown near the body. Then, there's a zig-zag shaped grey band. The outer part of the wing is the same color as the base. The eye-like spots are usually not visible on the underside.
Female autumn ringlets are generally lighter in color. Their eye-like spots are often a bit larger than those on males. The edges of the wings, called fringes, are brownish-grey in males and white-grey in females.
Where Does it Live?
This butterfly prefers high-mountain areas. It can be found across several mountain ranges in Europe. Its main homes are the Pyrenees mountains, the Alps, and various regions in Italy.
Life Cycle of the Autumn Ringlet
The autumn ringlet goes through different stages in its life.
- Egg: The eggs are light grey with dark lines.
- Larva (Caterpillar): The caterpillar is yellowish-green. It has a dark stripe down its back. There's also a whitish stripe along its side. Its breathing holes, called spiracles, are white with dark edges. The caterpillar's head is brown and has two dark spots. Its legs are also brown.
- Food: Caterpillars eat plants like Poa annua and Panicum sanguinale.
- Adult Butterfly: The adult butterflies fly from June to September.
