Mnestra's ringlet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mnestra's ringlet |
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| Langham and Wheeler collection - Ulster Museum | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Erebia
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| Species: |
mnestra
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The Mnestra's ringlet (Erebia mnestra) is a beautiful butterfly that lives in the mountains. It belongs to a group of butterflies called Satyrinae, which are part of the larger Nymphalidae family. You can find this butterfly in the high Alps of countries like Austria, France, Italy, and Switzerland.
This butterfly gets its name from Mnestra, a character from ancient Greek stories. She was the daughter of Erysichthon, who was a king in a place called Thessaly.
Contents
What Does the Mnestra's Ringlet Look Like?
The Mnestra's ringlet is a medium-sized butterfly. It has a special look that helps it blend in with its mountain home.
Colors and Markings
The main color of its wings is usually a dark brown. On its front wings, it has a reddish or brownish-yellow band. This band is often very clear on the outer edge. Sometimes, you might see two small black spots near the top of this band.
The hindwings (back wings) can also have brown spots that are separated by the veins, which are like tiny lines on the wings. These spots might not always be there.
Differences Between Males and Females
Male Mnestra's ringlets have a band on their forewing that fades into the dark brown color closer to their body.
Female butterflies are usually a bit lighter in color. Their reddish-yellow band on the front wing is often very clear on both sides. Females often have two small spots in this band. These spots usually have a white center. You can see these spots on both the top and bottom of their wings.
Underneath the Wings
If you look at the underside of the front wing, it's a reddish-brown color. The edges are dark brown. The underside of the hindwing is light brown and might look like it's dusted with yellowish-grey specks. It often has a slightly lighter band crossing the middle.
The antennae (feelers) of the Mnestra's ringlet are black on top and white underneath.
Where Does the Mnestra's Ringlet Live?
This butterfly is a true mountain dweller. It prefers the high altitudes of the Alps.
Mountain Habitats
You can find the Mnestra's ringlet in the Swiss Alps and the Tyrolean Alps. It tends to live in specific areas, so it's not found everywhere in the mountains. It likes open, grassy slopes where it can find the plants it needs.
