Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae)

OTHER NAMES: Tortoiseshell
Latin Etymology: Aglais ("shining red") urticae ("nettles")

Adult Small Tortoiseshell (subspecies A. u. urticae) at Geddington, Northants - July 2009

Featured Subspecies: Aglais urticae urticae
Length: ?  /  Wingspan: 45-62mm
UK Status: Least Concern / IUCN Red List: Not Yet Evaluated

One of the most common species of Butterfly in the UK. They feed on nettles but can often be seen on other flowers such as this budleia. They are very colourful on the outside, but when their wings are closed they are mottled brown for camoflage.  They are found across temperate Eurasia from Spain to Japan.

Related Species:
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Nymphalidae
Genus: Aglais
SUBSPECIES: A. u. urticae, A. u. polaris, A. u. turcica, A. u. baicalensis, A. u. eximia, A. u. stoetzneri, A. u. kansuensis, A. u. chinensis, A. u. connexa

- Sighting Locations -

UNITED KINGDOM - A common resident species

 - Seen in Geddington, Brigstock and numerous other locations

Further Notes: BirdGuides, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto