Small Tortoiseshell

Aglais urticae

The Small Tortoiseshell is a colorful butterfly with orange and black patterns. It's a friendly visitor in gardens and parks!

Habitat: Gardens and woodlands

Appearance

The Small Tortoiseshell has vibrant orange wings with distinctive black, yellow, and white markings near the leading edge. A row of iridescent blue spots adorns the outer margins of its jagged-edged wings, making it easily recognizable.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNymphalidaeGenusAglais

Small Tortoiseshell

Interesting facts

Male Small Tortoiseshells have scent scales on their wings to attract females!

Sometimes, millions of these butterflies migrate across Europe in spectacular swarms!

These butterflies taste their food with special sensors located on their feet!

They are one of the first butterflies to emerge in spring after winter hibernation!

Special abilities

Small Tortoiseshells can hibernate as adults during cold winter months, allowing them to survive harsh conditions and emerge early.

Small Tortoiseshell caterpillars can eat stinging nettles because they have adapted to consume the plant's leaves without harm.

Small Tortoiseshells have bright orange and black patterns that serve as a warning to predators, telling them 'don't eat me!'

Measurements & details

Wingspan: 45-62 mm
Size: 20-25 mm
Lifespan: 30-300 days
Flight Speed: 15 km/h
Leg Count: 6

Diet & Feeding

Adult butterflies sip nectar from various flowers, while caterpillars munch on stinging nettles.

Age differences: Caterpillars exclusively eat stinging nettles, while adults consume nectar from a variety of flowering plants.

Primary Foods

Nectar
Urtica dioica
Buddleja davidii
Taraxacum officinale

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

depends on

Stinging Nettle

Urtica dioica

The sole food source for Small Tortoiseshell caterpillars.

pollinates

Butterfly Bush

Buddleja davidii

Adult butterflies visit its flowers for nectar, aiding pollination.

eaten by

Great Tit

Parus major

Birds like this commonly prey on adult butterflies and caterpillars.

parasitizes

Tachinid Fly

Phryxe vulgaris

The fly's larvae parasitize and develop inside Small Tortoiseshell caterpillars.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Herbivorous

Meet the peaceful munchers and grazers who find all their nourishment from plants, leaves, and fruits. They transform plant energy into life!

Hibernating

Discover animals that take a long winter nap! They slow down their bodies and sleep deeply to save energy when food is scarce and it's cold outside.

Diurnal

Wake up with creatures that are most active during the day! They love the sunshine for finding food, playing, and exploring.

Pollinator

Meet the busy helpers of the plant world! These creatures carry pollen from one flower to another, helping plants make seeds and grow fruits and vegetables.