Common Ringlet
Coenonympha tullia
Description 1-1 7/8" (25-48mm). Sexes similar. Very variable, with numerous subspecies across its range. In general, plainly marked above, with coloration varying from yellowish brown to orange-brown with light gray near wing margins. Most races have no eyespot on the forewing above, though a small eyespot may be present in Rocky Mountain populations. Below, coloration ranges from ocher to brown to light gray, always with basal half of the wings darker and separated from outer half of wings by more or less distinct light band. Most races have one small eyespot near the tip of the forewing. Some races have a few, very small eyespots near the margin of the hindwings.
Similar Species Hayden's Ringlet, of the northern Rocky Mountains, has a distinct band of eyespots on the underside of the hindwing. Various other satyrs are browner overall and have distinct eyespots and other markings along the outer edge of the hindwings below. Note Common Ringlet's very slow, bouncing flight and propensity for this species (and few others in the subfamily) to frequently visit flowers.
Life Cycle Yellowish egg, well-patterned with ridges and flattened on the top. Caterpillar olive to brown with two tails and alternating light and dark lengthwise stripes. Chrysalis brown or green with darker streaks.
Host plants are various grasses of the family Poaceae.
Flight 1-3 broods; spring - autumn, actual dates vary with latitude and subspecies.
Habitat A variety of open areas, including tundra, prairies, meadows, woodland openings, and pastures.
Range Alaska east to Newfoundland; south to southern California, New Mexico, Nebraska, and northern New Jersey. Has significantly expanded its range in northeastern U.S. in last 20 years. It will likely spread further south in coming decades.
Discussion Formerly divided into numerous species (including the California Ringlet, Kodiak Ringlet, Ocher Ringlet, and others), the Common Ringlet is one of the most widespread butterflies in the Northern Hemisphere, occurring in Eurasia as well as North America. It can be extraordinarily abundant within its chosen habitats.
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