Hayden's Ringlet (Coenonympha haydenii [W. H. Edwards])
Wing span: 1 3/8 - 1 1/2 inches (3.5 - 3.8 cm).
Identification: Upperside of male is dark brown, female is much lighter. Underside of all wings with a narrow row of pale metallic scales at the margin and a pale terminal line. Hindwing has a submarginal row of 5-7 black eyespots that are each ringed with orange.
Life history: Adults have a bouncy flight. Males patrol for females.
Flight: One brood from late June-early August.
Caterpillar hosts: Grasses.
Adult food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Forest clearings, mountain meadows, bogs; to 9000 feet (2956 m).
Range: Southwest Montana, southeast Idaho, and western Wyoming.
Conservation: Not usually required.
The Nature Conservancy Global Rank: G5 - Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.
Management needs: None reported.
References:
Scott, J. A. 1986. The butterflies of North America. Stanford University Press, Stanford, Calif. 583 pages, 64 color plates. Tilden, J. W. 1986. A field guide to western butterflies. Houghton-Mifflin Co., Boston, Mass. 370 pages, 23 color plates.
Author: Jane M. Struttmann
State and Regional References:
Ferris, C.D. and F.M. Brown. 1980. Butterflies of the Rocky Mountain States. University of Oklahoma Press. Norman. Layberry, R.A., Hall, P.W. & Lafontaine, D.J., 1998. The Butterflies of Canada. University of Toronto Press, Toronto, ON. 280 pp. Opler, Paul A. 1999. Peterson Field Guide to Western Butterflies, revised edition. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, Mass. Stanford, R.E. and P.A. Opler. 1993. Atlas of Western USA Butterflies. Privately published, Denver, Colo. Tilden, J.W. and A.C. Smith. 1986. A Field Guide to Western Butterflies. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, Mass.