Small Tortoiseshell
ExploreInsects
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
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
1
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
Ability
Winter Snooze
Small Tortoiseshells can hibernate as adults during cold winter months, allowing them to survive harsh conditions and emerge early.
Ability
Nettle Power
Small Tortoiseshell caterpillars can eat stinging nettles because they have adapted to consume the plant's leaves without harm.
Ability
Warning Colours
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
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Hibernating
Hibernating animals enter a state of metabolic depression during cold periods or when food is scarce, characterized by reduced body temperature and activity.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Nettle Butterfly
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Small Tortoiseshell's wingspan?
45-62 mm
How big is Small Tortoiseshell?
20-25 mm
How long does Small Tortoiseshell live?
30-300 days
How fast can Small Tortoiseshell fly?
15 km/h
What does Small Tortoiseshell eat?
Adult butterflies sip nectar from various flowers, while caterpillars munch on stinging nettles.
Where is Small Tortoiseshell usually found?
Gardens and woodlands
How does Small Tortoiseshell hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Small Tortoiseshell have?
6
Snap Map
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