Large Tortoiseshell
Nymphalis polychloros
Common
Description
The Large Tortoiseshell caterpillar is dark brown to almost black, with a yellow-orange dorsal stripe running along the entire back. Along the flanks and back, it bears several rows of clearly visible brownish-orange spines. One of its most remarkable traits is its behaviour: caterpillars live in dense colonies during the early larval stages, which can lead to confusion with processionary caterpillars. They only disperse at the final larval stage.
Information
| Family | Nymphalidae |
|---|---|
| Size | 4–5 cm |
| Hairiness | scoli |
| Observation period | April to July |
| Distribution | All of Europe except the far north. |
| Toxicity | No |
| Rarity | Common |
Host plants
- Elm
- Willow
- Poplar
- Cherry
- Pear
- Aspen
- Birch