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| Aglais urticae of the summer generation. Photo by Taina. |
| Aglais urticae - Small Tortoiseshell (Nymphalidae) Appearance: This widespread sunny looking little beauty actually shows much variation in size, but it usually has a wingspan from 47 to 53mm. The brood that emerges in the summer also is more yellowish and warm in coloration than the one on the wing right after the winter. Geographical distribution/ habitat: Europe throughout Eastern Asia. Attracted to flowery places and is common in all sorts of habitats from gardens to uplands. Host plant: Common Nettle (urticaceae) only. Food plants: Nectar of herbaceous plants and bushes. Seems to love Cirsium arvense �Creeping thistle� just like Inachis io. Flight time: Has 2 to 3 broods in a year, and is on the wing through Mar-Oct. Hibernates as an adult. Other: Has great similarity between the North American Aglais Milberti (Milberti�s Tortoiseshell) both in appearance and nettle breeding habits. They perhaps share the same ancestry. Photos and Information Index Home Butterfly Garden |