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Small Tortoiseshell

Aglais urticae

Photo by sttweets
Published on Project Noah
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Field Notes

Description:

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.

Habitat:

The Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) is a well-known colourful butterfly, found in temperate Europe.

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