Small tortoiseshell
| Small Tortoiseshell | |
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| Species: | N. urticae
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| Binomial name | |
| Nymphalis urticae | |
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Aglais urticae | |
The Small Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis urticae) is a well-known colourful butterfly, found in temperate Europe. There are a few records from New York City which, however, are believed to have arrived human-assisted.
This is a species often found in gardens. The caterpillars feed on 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 colors. This can frighten away young or inexperienced birds (Stevens 2005).
The butterfly is abundant in most areas of the United Kingdom and Ireland. However, its availability often varies yearly. Its commonness may often depend on the status of the common wasp in that particular season, as the wasp is known to feed on the Tortoiseshell's pupae.
The Corsican Small Tortoiseshell Nymphalis (urticae) ichnusa looks very similar; whether it is a subspecies or a distinct species is yet to be determined.
Gallery
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Young caterpillars live in groups -
Older caterpillars are solitary -
Chrysalis shortly before hatching -
Underside of wings -
Side view, proboscis visible
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References
- Stevens, Martin (2005): The role of eyespots as anti-predator mechanisms, principally demonstrated in the Lepidoptera. Biol. Rev. 80(4): 573–588. doi:10.1017/S1464793105006810 (HTML abstract)