Rätzer's Ringlet is a satyrine butterfly discovered in 1882 by Swiss minister August Rätzer in the Laquinthal in the Simplon of Southern Switzerland (Schulz 1892, Rätzer 1893). Endemic to a small area in the subalpine region of the Swiss and Italian alps, this is one of Europe's rarest butterflies (Leigheb et al. 1998, Sonderegger 1996, van Swaay et al 2012). Due to its restricted range, the species was listed in Appendix II of the Bern Convention (Council of Europe 1979).
The larvae of Erebia christi feed on Sheep Fescue (Festuca ovina), a densely tufted perennial grass. Like other alpine Erebias exposed to low average temperatures and a short growing season, Erebia christi caterpillars need two years to complete development, i.e., two winters are spent in the larval stage (Sonderegger 1996).
The Raetzer's ringlet (Erebia christi) is a species of butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is found in Italy and Switzerland. Its natural habitat is temperate grassland. It is one of the rarest European butterflies, having not more than six or seven populations.
E. christi Rätzer (36 c). This species comes nearest to cassiope, being however at least one-third larger. The forewing more elongate than in cassiope, apex and distal margin rounded, also in the hindwing, the apex of the latter being obtusely pointed in cassiope. The brown transverse band of the forewing is of even width and runs parallel with the distal margin, being sharply defined proximally and distally and separated by the veins into spots, usually 6. The 2. and 3. of these spots counted from the costal side are not prolonged both ways as is cassiope, but are of the same size as the others. In the upper spots there is a straight row of 3 or 4 black dots, of which the 2 middle ones are always larger than the others. The hindwing bears 4, more rarely 3, oval russet-yellow spots with ovate black dots, which in the female are sometimes prolonged to streaks. The underside of the forewing is russet-brown, being darker basally, the lighter band contrasting distinctly with the central area. Costal and distal margins brown-grey. Only the 2 central black dots are as large as above, while the others are either completely absent or are represented but by small black specks. The hindwing beneath violet-grey, with a darker dentate band, which is obsolete in the female, but distinct in the male. — The only locality so far known is the Laquin Valley at the southern Simplon-road below the village of Simplon. The flight-place is very limited, having only an extent of 5–600 m, consisting of grassy and flowery slopes covered with rocks and boulders. The butterfly is not abundant.[2] Wheeler (1903) gives a short description. [3]
The butterflies often bask in the sun with their wings wide open. The males congregate regularly on damp ground. The females visit different nectar plants and are especially fond of thyme. They lay their eggs on the dry grass stems of Festuca ovina. Before completing their development, the caterpillars hibernate twice.[4]
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain. The Raetzer's ringlet (Erebia christi) is a species of butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is found in Italy and Switzerland. Its natural habitat is temperate grassland. It is one of the rarest European butterflies, having not more than six or seven populations.
Museum specimens. Switzerland. Wheeler collection. Ulster Museum.
