Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

Red-disked Alpine
Erebia discoidalis (W. Kirby, 1837)


Family: Nymphalidae
Subfamily: Satyrinae
Identification: Wings are brownish black and lack eyespots. Forewing has a large chestnut red patch both above and below. Underside of hindwing is mottled gray and brown.
Wing Span: 1 1/2 - 1 15/16 inches (3.8 - 4.9 cm).
Life History: Adults fly slowly near the ground. Males patrol for females with a weak flight. Fourth-stage caterpillars hibernate; probably biennial.
Flight: One brood from early May to mid-June.
Caterpillar Hosts: Bluegrasses (Poa species).
Adult Food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Large, open, grassy bogs; other areas with acidic soils.
Range: Holarctic. North America from Alaska south and east to southern Alberta, northern Montana, northern Wisconsin, northern Michigan, and southern Quebec.
Conservation: Not usually required.
NCGR: G5 - Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.
Management Needs: None reported.
Comments: NULL