Mnestra's Ringlet

Description:

Mnestra's Ringlet is a member of the Satyrinae subfamily of Nymphalidae. It is a mountain butterfly found in the Alps of Austria, France, Italy and Switzerland. It often has no spots as in the specimen found here.The Mnestra's ringlet is named for Mnestra, a daughter of Erysichthon, King of Thessaly in Greek mythology.

Habitat:

This ringlet was spotted 2200 m above sea level in an area of accumulation of glacial rock debris. This is an alpine species.

Notes:

I often see butterflies above vegetation levels, crossing high passes from one valley to another.