"Erebia variations"

[Reverdin]

I would like to receive the benefit of opinion regarding the true identities of these erebia from French Alps. I have my ideas, but wish confirmation or otherwise. I appreciate it aint that easy from only pics...

upperside of erebia 1

underside of erebia 1

upperside of erebia 2

underside of erebia 2

upperside of erebia 3

underside of erebia 3

[Reverdin]

is there anyone out there ?

well... I'm going on my own instincts then!

[Padfield]

I'm out here! Just a little knackered!

I think ringlet 1 has to be a male manto. Ringlet 3 is one too, in my opinion. I think you would like it to be eriphyle, but the underside has the manto feel to me. That spot in s4 is large, but that is true of manto too. Both are excellent photos of excellent butterflies!

The middle one must be a female pharte. I know some other species are occasionally blind, but the strength of those red bands and spots, combined with the blindness, makes me think pharte.

As you know, I don't mind being contradicted...

Guy

[Reverdin]

Thanks Guy, you can see why I thought Eriphyle!! Interestingly Lafranchis does suggest it being in French Alps, so my hopefulness had increased!!

[Reverdin]

After much identifying and agonizing, I am left with uncertainty about this little lot. Again I know it can be impossible from the available info, but any help appreciated as ever...

1

French Alps 1700m ?melampus

2

French Alps different Col also 1700m

different fly

These ones came from your eriphyle site Guy.. but not at the same place, as it was treacherous going!!...
3 a

Swiss Alps

3 b

Swiss Alps

and these pics of the same fly came from along the road where there was a high telecabine...
4 a

Swiss Alps

4 b

Swiss Alps

[Reverdin]

I've also refreshed this one in the hope for Guy, or someone's further opinion about the last few?

[Padfield]

Hi Rev - sorry - I didn't mean to let this thread drop!

I think these are all melampus except the second one you've labelled 'Swiss Alps'. It looks PERFECT for eriphyle! I trust it's not the same insect as the one just before it, because that is melampus... But I don't think it can be the same - the hindwing markings don't match.

If the habitat is right, I think you've got a very strong case for eriphyle there!

Guy

EDIT: I've just noticed - you said it came from my eriphyle site. That's good enough for me! The habitat is most certainly right!

[Paul Wetton]

Hi Rev

From my very unlearned opinion I reckon Guy has cracked evry single one of these. I think I'd have possibly plumped For Eriphyle in the first batch but on looking and listening to Guy the spots are more Manto shaped (just).

[Reverdin]

Thank you very much indeed, both, - but since I crazily labelled four of them " Swiss Alps" I find it difficult to work out which you refer to. 3 a and b were different butterflies, but of a different beast from 4, of which a & b are the same fly.
All were indeed from your eriphyle site... but I got nowhere near the bit you showed me as there were perilous steep and slippy bits along the way.
so ( I perceive a sigh) for one last time.... which were which? - I've re labelled them - sorry

[Paul Wetton]

Hi again Rev

If I followed Guy correctly and through my own short experience of the second set of photos all are melampus except 3 b which is eriphyle. I hope I followed correctly.

[Reverdin]

I've just had to check the sequence of images, and now I think I see!! - thanks Guy and Paul. much appreciated... especially now I have an Eriphyle photo, provided there are no second thoughts
note to self.... when requesting ID help... try and make it clear which photo is which