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Erebia aethiops
This striking butterfly can distinguished from other Erebias by its rich chocolate brown colour and velvety upperside, bright orange markings and bright black and white eyespots.
Found at the edge of a forest, alt. 1400 m ASL. Habitat includes sparse forests (alluvial forests, light deciduous forests, shrub, pastures with bracken, and forest edges. Likes wet places. Altitudinal distribution: colline level to subalpine (340 m to 2000 m). Range includes the Alps, Germany, Balkans, Apennines, Asia Minor, the Urals, Caucasus and Scotland.
It is thought that the ability of this butterfly to resist cold temperatures means that it was probably one of the first species to recolonise the British Isles after the last ice age, more than 10,000 years ago.
Spotted on Jul 24, 2012
Submitted on Sep 29, 2012
13 Comments
Sergio, :-)
Two for the price of one... that is very scottish, indeed... :-)
Thank you gil.leiria! Indeed, you have to come further north to see this one.
Beautiful and new for me
Ha ha Dan! These have such rich colours when freshly emerged. These two looked like two pieces of chocolate laid on the vegetation. No chance spotting butterflies today: I'm snowed in!
Oh nevermind, I see that you spotted these in July, but still cool!
Beautiful! Finding two together must be really special, especially at this time of year.
Thanks Martin! Finding two fresh ones together made it a bit more special...
Pretty as a picture, Daniele.
Thanks Satyen, Jatishwor, vitthal and Oneng! I think these wee quite freshly emerged as they were in pristine condition.
pretty..
Lovely spotting.
Great pic!