Small Tortoiseshell

Aglais urticae

Common
Small Tortoiseshell — photo 1 Small Tortoiseshell — photo 2 Small Tortoiseshell — photo 3 Small Tortoiseshell — photo 4

Description

Black caterpillar with yellow longitudinal bands. Lives first in groups then solitarily towards the end.

Information

FamilyNymphalidae
Size3–4 cm
Hairinessscoli
Observation periodApril to August
DistributionThroughout Europe.
ToxicityNo
RarityCommon

Host plants

  • Nettle

Notes

Lives in dense groups when young, then becomes solitary.

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