Thursday, 16 February 2012
Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly
Scientific Name:
Aglais urticae
Wingspan (mm):
Male: 45 - 55mm, Female: 52 - 62mm Description
Male and female examples of this butterfly look similar. Colourful orange-red and black upperside, dark border with blue crescents around edges. Each forewing contains six black patches, breaking up the lemon/orange pattern . Dusky underwings resemble bark - darker near the base of the wing and paler towards the margin. The caterpillars which are brown/black in colour tend to live communal lives, which gives greater protection against would-be predators. Webs of silk, which are the caterpillars normal environment, may be seen draped over nettles.
Distribution
Seen throughout the British Isles wherever flowers or nettles may be found. Equally at home in mountainous areas and remote island habitats as it is in meadows and gardens.
Habitat
The adult butterflies can be seen in any habitat, from mountain summits above 1000m to city centres. The foodplants prosper in nutrient-enriched soils and breeding habitats are often associated with human activity, even areas of intensive agriculture. Breeding has been recorded at altitudes of over 300m.
Diet
Common Nettle (Urtica dioica) and Small Nettle (U. urens) are used.
Status
One of the British Isles most common butterflies, although rarely seen together in large numbers. UK BAP status: not listed Butterfly Conservation priority: low European threat status: not threatened
Did You Know?
As many as three broods per year may appear, depending on climatic conditions.