• Butterflies
• Dragonflies
• Damselflies
• Tiger beetles
• Hike with Mike

• The butterflies:
• Brushfooted Butterflies
  • Snouts
  • Heliconians and Fritillaries
  • True Brushfoots
  • Admirals and Relatives
  • Leafwings
  • Emperors
  • Satyrs
  • Monarchs
• Satyrs
  • Northern Pearly-eye
  • Eyed Brown
  • Smoky Eyed Brown
  • Appalachian Brown
  • Little Wood-Satyr
  • Common Ringlet
  • Common Wood-Nymph
  • Red-disked Alpine
  • Chryxus Arctic
  • Jutta Arctic

Common Ringlet

(Coenonympha tullia)

This species was first discovered in Wisconsin in 1961 in Burnett County. When Ebner’s (1970) Butterflies of Wisconsin was written, that was the only record of this species in Wisconsin. It has since been recorded from 27 counties, mainly in the northern half of the state, but is apparently increasing its range south in Wisconsin, just as this species has in the eastern U.S.

Identifying characteristics: On the hindwing below the wing is an orange color that is mainly covered by white scales. These scales are also present also on the forewing but only at the apex. Towards the body the orange color can usually be seen. At the apex of the forewing is usually an eyespot. In the Kaufman field guide, “Butterflies of North America", they point out the large geographical variation of this species but there is some variation in our specimens with the eyespot occasionally lacking and the entire butterfly from below looking much darker. While in flight this butterfly looks somewhat light orange.

Similar species: None in Wisconsin.

Habitat: Old fields, meadows, and open areas in woodlands.

Flight: Mainly a single brood from late May to August. “Michigan Butterflies & Skippers” by Mogens Nielsen lists this as having a partial second brood, and it does have two broods in the east.

Abundance: This species is becoming more common in Wisconsin but normally is not seen in large numbers. Nevertheless it may become fairly abundant in an area and seeing over 100 individuals in a day is possible.

Recent Common Ringlet Sightings

Date seen	County	Reported by
07–06–2008	Bayfield	Ryan Brady
07–04–2008	Oconto	Rose Tiegs
07–01–2008	Price	Mike Reese
07–01–2008	Bayfield	Mike Reese

Submit a Common Ringlet sighting »