Ringlet

Today's the day ....................... not to mind the weather

A new one for us in the garden today and lovely to spot this Ringlet butterfly, fluttering about in the long grass, on what was not really very conducive conditions for any sort of butterfly activity.  But apparently, they don't seem to mind dull and cloudy conditions, when most other butterflies are inactive.

When newly emerged, the Ringlet has a velvety appearance and is almost black, with a white fringe to the wings. The small circles on the underwings, which give the butterfly its name, vary in number and size and maybe enlarged and elongated or reduced to small white spots - occasionally they lack the black ring. 

Apparently, the Ringlet has extended its range in England and Scotland in recent years and is now widespread on damp grassland throughout Britain and Ireland.  It's most definitely always welcome here .......................