| Small Tortoiseshell | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Nymphalidae |
| Genus: | Aglais |
| Species: | A. urticae |
| Binomial name | |
| Aglais urticae (Linnaeus, 1758) |
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Nymphalis urticae |
|
The Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) is a well-known colourful butterfly.
Contents |
It is found in temperate Europe, Asia Minor, Central Asia, Siberia, China, Mongolia, Korea and Japan. There are a few records from New York City which, however, are believed to have arrived human-assisted.
The Corsican Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais (urticae) ichnusa) looks very similar; whether it is a subspecies or a distinct species is yet to be determined.
This is a species often found in gardens. The caterpillars feed on stinging nettles, as do those of several Nymphalidae butterflies.
The adult is striking, with its dark body and red and yellow wings, which have a row of blue dots around the rear edge. However the underwings are dull, which helps to conceal stationary or hibernating individuals. When threatened, resting individuals rapidly open their wings, presenting the dramatic display of colours. This can frighten away young or inexperienced birds.[1]
The butterfly is abundant in most areas of the United Kingdom and Ireland. However numbers often vary yearly. Its commonness may often depend on the status of the common wasp in that particular season, since the wasp is known to feed on the Tortoiseshell's pupae.