Butterfly is a beauty in its own way, says Sheffield wildlife expert

Its markings are rather variable and overall it is regarded as rather sombre or dull; in France being called le Tristan, or the sorrowful one.

Perhaps, as befits its mournf ul character, this butterfly will be on the wing in overcast and even damp weather.

It is a weak flier and quickly closes its wings when landed; annoying if you try to photograph it.

The upper side of the wings is dark brown, almost like plain chocolate, and, in its own way, I think quite pretty.

The underwings are slightly paler and show the ring markings quite distinctly.

They like hedgerows, scrubby habitats, and grassy areas around wetlands for example – this was just the sort of place I spotted this one at Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire.

The adults are drawn to abundant bramble flowers, which this year, have been particularly good.

Like many of the ‘browns’ the ringlet caterpillars feed on common grasses such as cocksfoot, false brome, meadow grass and tufted hair-grass.

Prof Ian D Rotherham, a researcher, writer and broadcaster on wildlife and environmental issues, is contactable on [email protected] or follow his Walk on the Wildside blog at ukeconet.org for more information.