Small Tortoiseshell Nymphalis urticae Wingspan 42mm. A colourful butterfly associated with waste and wayside areas where larval foodplant flourishes.


Small Tortoiseshell Nymphalis urticae Wingspan 42mm. A colourful butterfly associated with waste and wayside areas where larval foodplant flourishes. Fond of basking in the sun, usually on bare ground. Adult has marbled orange, yellow and black upperwings; underwings are grey-brown. Double- or triple-brooded: flies March–October. Also hibernates. Larva is yellow and black and spiny; typically they are gregarious and feed on Common Nettle. Fairly common and widespread but much reduced in numbers in recent years.


Size: 3228px × 4488px
Photo credit: © PAUL R. STERRY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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