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