Ringlet Butterfly (Aphantopus Hyperantus)

The ringlet butterfly (aphantopus hyperantus) is a fascinating species of insect that can be found throughout the UK and Europe. With its distinctive brown colouring, it’s easy to spot this unique butterfly in meadows or woodlands during the summer months. But what else do we know about the ringlet butterfly? In this article, you’ll learn all about how to identify them, their habitats and distribution, as well as their behaviour – so if you’re interested in learning more about these beautiful creatures, then read on. The ringlet butterfly has much to offer those who take the time to observe them carefully, from understanding where they live through to discovering why they behave differently when compared with other butterflies.

How To Identify a Ringlet Butterfly

The ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus) is a species of butterfly found in the UK. They have distinctive black and white markings, with a yellow-brownish colour on their wings. The upperwings are marked with two rows of dark spots, and the undersides of the wings have a patterned chequered design.

The ringlet is one of the largest butterflies in Britain, measuring between 5 to 6 cm across when open. It has an orange-brown head, thorax and abdomen, which contrast against its greyish-brown wings. Its antennae are also orange-brown in colour and slightly curved at the tips.

When resting or flying low over vegetation, it can be difficult to spot due to its camouflage colours; however, if you look closely enough, you should be able to see that it has four separate eyespots on each wing – two near the front edge and two towards the back edge – as well as small white spots along its body margins which help distinguish it from other similar species such as meadow browns or marbled whites.

The male ringlet butterfly is slightly larger than the female and has a more pronounced yellow patch on the underside of the forewing.

Habitat and Distribution

Ringlet butterflies prefer habitats with plenty of grassland, such as meadows and pastures, but can also be found in woodland clearings and heathlands. The butterflies are most commonly seen during the summer months when they emerge from their chrysalises to feed on nectar-rich flowers.

In terms of distribution, the ringlet butterfly can be found throughout England, Wales and Scotland. In Northern Ireland, it is only present in County Fermanagh, where it has been recorded since 1859. The species has adapted well to urban areas too; there have been sightings in parks and gardens as far north as Edinburgh.

The butterflies tend to fly low over grassy areas looking for food sources or potential mates; they may even land on your hand if you remain still enough. During warm days they will often bask in sunny spots with their wings open wide so that they can absorb heat more easily.

When To See Ringlet Butterflies

The ringlet butterfly can be seen flying around from May to August, typically at dusk or during cloudy days. They hibernate during winter months by hiding away amongst long grasses or under logs until temperatures become milder again come springtime. They then lay eggs near food plants such as thistles, which hatch into caterpillars after about two weeks before entering the pupa stage for several weeks until emerging as adult butterflies ready to start the cycle all over again.

Ringlet Butterfly Behaviour

Flight Patterns

Ringlets fly in an erratic zig-zag pattern that helps them avoid predators while they search for food sources such as nectar and pollen. They also use their flight patterns to communicate with other butterflies by fluttering their wings rapidly when they meet another individual of the same species.

Feeding Habits

When feeding, ringlets prefer nectar-rich flowers such as thistles, clovers and knapweeds. If there is no available flower source nearby, they can also feed on aphid honeydew secretions found on plants like nettles or brambles. During sunny days they tend to fly close to ground level but will ascend higher up into trees during cloudy weather conditions for shelter from rain showers or strong winds. They have long proboscis which allows them to reach deep into flowers for nectar, as well as extract sap from tree trunks or branches.

This species is an important pollinator, as it moves from flower to flower and helps to spread pollen between them. The ringlet butterfly is also an important food source for many birds and other insect-eating animals.

Mating

During mating season, male ringlets will patrol areas looking for females who are ready to mate. When one is located, the males will chase after her until she stops and allows him to mate with her before continuing his search for more mates. After mating has occurred both sexes move on without forming any type of bond between each other beyond reproduction purposes only.