Ringlet
Aphantopus hyperantus
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The Ringlet is a chocolate-brown butterfly of shaded, damp grassland and scrub edges — the preference for shade distinguishes it from the Meadow Brown of open grassland. It has small, butter-yellow ringed eye spots on the underside — the 'ringlets'. It emerges in late June, coinciding with the peak of the Bramble flower season, and feeds extensively on Bramble. Along the edges of the Formby pinewoods and in shaded dune scrub it's regular in July and August.
At a Glance
| Order | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae |
| Habitat | Shaded dune scrub edge · Woodland edge · Bramble patches · Rough shaded grassland |
| Diet | Adults: Bramble, Ragwort, Thistle. Larvae: various grasses in shade. |
| UK population | Common in England and Wales; increasing |
| Sefton Coast | Present in scrub edges and shaded grassland throughout the Sefton Coast |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Dune scrub edges and shaded grassland with Bramble. Woodland edges at Formby.
Identification
Dark chocolate-brown with small rings of yellow-white on both surfaces. Underside: distinct pale-ringed eye spots. Dark, almost black overall. Prefers shaded grassland. Distinctive dark colouring.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Walk the edge of the Formby pinewoods or any shaded scrub edge in July. Ringlets feed on Bramble flowers and are easy to approach.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species has a favourable conservation status in the UK and remains an important part of Sefton Coast biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Ringlet prefer shade?
The Ringlet's dark coloration allows it to absorb heat efficiently even in dappled shade, so it doesn't depend on direct sunshine as much as paler butterflies. The larvae also require the moist, shaded grassland conditions where many grass species grow at their best. This shade preference separates Ringlet from the Meadow Brown which prefers more open grassland.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.