Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly

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Primary Image
Small Tortoiseshell - Aglais urticae.jpg
Scientific Name: 
Aglais urticae
Wingspan: 
Male: 45 - 55mm, Female: 52 - 62mm
Confusion Species: 
Large Tortoiseshell.
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 (<em>Urtica dioica</em>) and Small Nettle (<em>U. urens</em>) 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.
    Caterpillar
    Small Tortoiseshell-Aglais urticae.jpg