Sooty Ringlet vs Speckled Wood

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sooty Ringlet Speckled Wood
Scientific Name Erebia pluto Pararge aegeria
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Nymphalidae Nymphalidae
Size 36-44 mm wingspan 40-45 mm wingspan
Habitat Mountains Forests
Diet Nectar Feeders Omnivores
Regions Alps Europe, North Africa, Central Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Sooty Ringlet

One of the darkest European butterflies, almost entirely black. It inhabits the highest scree slopes and rock faces in the Alps.

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Did You Know?

Its nearly black wings help absorb solar radiation for warmth in its frigid habitat.

Speckled Wood

Brown butterfly with cream or orange spots and small eyespots on hindwings. Males defend sunlit patches on the forest floor.

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Did You Know?

It is the only European butterfly that overwinters as either a caterpillar or a pupa.