The Small Tortoiseshell – Aglais urticae

The Small Tortoiseshell is a medium-sized ( 4.5-6cm )pretty butterfly that is common in gardens where it feeds on buddleia and other flowers. The small tortoiseshell is mainly reddish-orange in colour, with black and yellow markings on the forewings and a ring of blue spots around the edge of the wings. It is on the wing throughout the year, having two or three broods and overwintering as an adult. This butterfly can be found almost anywhere however It is most-often seen where nettles grow in abundance, such as field margins. This butterfly is often encountered while hibernating in an outbuilding, such as a garage, shed or barn, where they may be found in the company of other individuals. Other hibernation sites include hollow trees and wood piles.

Adults usually emerges from hibernation March to May though they may also emerge on occasional warm days throughout the winter. Butterfly lives for 10 months or more and some years they can be seen for at least a day or so during every month of the year. Male small tortoiseshells are very territorial, chasing each other, other butterflies and anything else that appears in their space. They court females by ‘drumming’ their antennae on the females’ hindwings.

Small Tortoiseshell butterflies lay their eggs on sheltered nettle plants in direct sunlight. Eggs are laid in a heap towards the top of the plant and on the underside of the leaves. Batches of 80 – 100 eggs are laid from late April throughout May, with a second brood laid between July and August.

Despite being a widespread and common species in certain areas, the declining fortunes of this butterfly, especially in the south, mean that this butterfly is a species of conservation concern.

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