This medium sized butterfly has dark velvety-brown upperwings that are almost black on the male and only slightly lighter on the female. A fine white fringe runs round the outer edges, making a sharp contrast, and there are usually two inconspicuous little black eyespots near the centre of each wing. When settled, the wings are usually closed, revealing the Ringlet's most distinctive feature - a string of conspicuous eyes with white centres surrounded by black then yellow rings. There are generally five to each hindwing with at least two on the forewings, and they gleam clearly against a dark, slightly bronzed background.

Dimensions:
Adult wingspan: 42-52mm.

National:
This species is widely distributed within the British Isles but is absent from north-west England and north Scotland. It inhabits the relatively sheltered areas of tall, occasionally damp, grasslands.

At Durlston:
In 2003, a colony was located on the grassy banks of The Gully during June and July. The species was recorded in the same area in 2006 and 2007.

The adult is on the wing from late June to mid August and there is only one generation. Coarse grasses are the main foodplant and the adult expels the eggs into suitable sites rather than lays them. The larvae partially develop before hibernating. The larvae become active the following spring and once fully grown pupate at the base of their foodplant.