Ringlet
VU

Ringlet

Coenonympha tullia

UnknownVUEUVUEU

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coenonympha_tullia

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Ringlet butterfly faces severe population declines across its range due to habitat degradation and fragmentation of its specialized wetland environments. Agricultural intensification and drainage of bogs, fens, and wet grasslands have eliminated critical breeding sites, while climate change is altering the moisture regimes essential for its host grasses. Urban development and infrastructure projects continue to fragment remaining populations, reducing genetic connectivity between isolated colonies.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Ringlet inhabits wet grasslands, bogs, fens, moorlands, and damp meadows across northern Europe and parts of North America. It requires areas with specific moisture levels and its larval host plants, primarily various grass species including Molinia caerulea and Eriophorum species in boggy conditions.

Other threatened species in Nymphalidae

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Ringlet classified as Vulnerable?
Ringlet is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Ringlet butterfly faces severe population declines across its range due to habitat degradation and fragmentation of its specialized wetland environments. Agricultural intensification and drainage of bogs, fens, and wet grasslands have eliminated critical breeding sites, while climate change is altering the moisture regimes essential for its host grasses. Urban development and infrastructure projects continue to fragment remaining populations, reducing genetic connectivity between isolated colonies.
Where does Ringlet live?
Ringlet occurs in Åland Islands, Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, and Bhutan (plus 44 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Ringlet?
The main threats to Ringlet are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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