Species: Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae)
Family: Fritillaries, Nymphalids and Browns (NYMPHALIDAE)
Category: Butterflies & Moths
Location: NW
A. Butterflies & Moths
B. Fritillaries, Nymphalids and Browns (NYMPHALIDAE)
This is a large family containing many of our most colourful and familiar butterflies. Many are strong fliers, with a flapping flight interspersed with glides and swoops. The Fritillaries are predominantly orange with dark markings, and the Browns largely brown, but the Nymphalids have a range of colours.
C. Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae)
A resident butterfly, less common than it used to be, which hibernates in sheds, outbuildings, hollow trees, caves, etc. It may be seen at any time of the year, and the eggs are laid on Common Nettle leaves. The dark or light grey-green caterpillars have yellow markings along the flanks. The markings of the adult sexes are alike.
Images
Small Tortoiseshell
The Small Tortoiseshell may be seen at any time of the year, and the eggs are laid on nettle leaves.
