Like many butterflies, this one is very well named, as it has very distinct rings around its spots. It can be found in the meadows and bramble bushes mid-summer, often flying in the same areas as the Meadow Brown. Although initially looking very similar when flying, Ringlets tend to be smaller and darker than the Meadow Browns. The ringlet rests with its wings both open and closed.

Male and female are similar, the under-wings are difficult to tell apart. However their top wing patterns are quite different. Females have quite clear spots and rings but males have much less well defined spots and rings. The male tends to lighten in colour with age.