False Ringlet vs Swamp Metalmark

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute False Ringlet Swamp Metalmark
Scientific Name Coenonympha oedippus Calephelis mutica
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Nymphalidae Riodinidae
Size 30-36 mm wingspan 22-28 mm wingspan
Habitat Wetlands Wetlands
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Scattered localities in Europe, east to Japan Upper Midwest United States, Great Lakes region
Conservation Near Threatened (critically endangered in EU) Near Threatened; extremely local

False Ringlet

A small, drab brown butterfly with a row of striking silver-centred eyespots on the hindwing underside. It is one of the most endangered butterflies in western Europe.

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Did You Know?

It has vanished from over 90% of its former European range in the last century due to wetland drainage.

Swamp Metalmark

A rare and localized metalmark butterfly of midwestern wetlands with warm rusty-brown wings marked with fine metallic lines. It has very specific habitat requirements.

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Did You Know?

Some populations consist of fewer than 50 individuals, making it one of North America's most vulnerable butterflies.