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I have posted this small erebia before, and despite the lack of clues, we came to a probable agreement on epiphron. It was taken several years ago in the Haute Savoie at 1700m.
I've just been browsing Roger Gibbons marvelous site, as I frequently do, and saw his observation epiphron is not that common, but manto is, and some of his photos bear a close resemblance to this. The hindwing is also not very angular, as I'm told epiphron should be. Sadly, I have no underside shot. ..... any further thoughts anyone

I must be getting old, as I can't remember discussing this butterfly at all. Did I agree on epiphron?

Whatever I said last time, I think I prefer manto now. It doesn't look much like our Swiss manto, but this is a classically variable species which can be anything from well marked with orange bands and black eyes to completely black all over. Normally, outside the Pyrenees, the orange markings on the forewing are brighter and better demarcated than on yours, but your butterfly is quite worn and the general form of the marks is good. It is unusual for strong spots on the hindwing to be associated with very weak spotting on the forewing, but I guess anything is possible. The altitude is good for manto.

I don't think I've ever seen epiphron looking quite like this either - most of the Swiss ones have much more complete spotting. Your butterfly does have the slight point of epiphron, but the wing shape, particularly nearer the anal angle, is probably better for manto.

In Switzerland, manto is commoner at lower altitudes (like 1700m) and epiphron more typically associated with high, often inaccessible areas. However, manto also has a slightly later flight period, being commonest in late July and into August - and yours looks rather worn at the beginning of July (if you took it the year we first met).

What a pity you didn't get even a glance at the underside!! That is much more consistent and the pattern of markings in manto in particular is very characteristic, as I'm sure you know.

Come and see me later in the season one year, and feast on manto!! This female was still enjoying life in September last year:



Guy

I've just reviewed Roger's pictures too, and to be honest, all his manto from the Haute Savoie look as I would expect - rather like the Swiss ones. I was with him when he took that first picture, on 27th July 2010, in Vaud - that's typical Swiss manto. It looks very similar to his other French pictures. The Pyrenean ones don't count, obviously!

So I really don't know, Paul. At least have a look at the underside next time!!

Guy

Thanks Guy, it was indeed the first year, early July. Case equivocal then Will have to wait for the future