Aphantopus hyperantus, Ringlet

Common Name: Ringlet

Aphantopus hyperantus, more commonly known as the Ringlet, is a butterfly of temperate Europe, extending eastwards across temperate Asia to Japan. Relatively common in the UK except for northern Scotland. Found in a variety of habitats, preferably sheltered and damp sites, woodland clearings, woodland edges and rides, meadows, hedgerows, road verges and country lanes, where the heat of the summer sun can be avoided and where food plants are lush. Not found on grassland or heaths.

Wingspan of males is 42 to 48 mm, females 46 to 52 mm. The wing uppersides are a uniform chocolate brown. Despite this uniformity, a newly-emerged adult is surprisingly beautiful, the velvety wings providing a striking contrast with the delicate white fringes found on the wing edges. The undersides bear white spots, ringed with bright yellow; 2 or 3 on the forewing, 5 on the hind, larger in females.

The English name of this butterfly is derived from these spots or ‘ringlets’. Its relatively dark coloration allows this butterfly to absorb heat and warm up quickly, it being one of the few that flies on overcast days.

https://www.uknature.co.uk is a website dedicated to showing the immense diversity of UK nature and wildlife. Our vast range of habitats, from lowland arable to snow covered mountains, from storm-ravaged coastlines to peaceful inland freshwater lakes and rivers, from dry, sandy heaths to deciduous and coniferous forests, all these habitats contribute to the abundance of UK nature. We have wild birds in huge numbers either residing or visiting our shores (597 recorded species as at July 2013) and we must also not forget the humble back garden with its grass lawns, flower beds filled with nectar rich flowers, shrubs and trees, all designed to attract huge numbers of insects such as bees, moths, butterflies and hoverflies; and finally the small ponds which provide safe havens for frogs, toads, newts and even slow worms and grass snakes. www.uknature.co.uk is the showcase for my personal passion, photographing uknature in all its glory. I sincerely hope you all enjoy the fruits of my labours.