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Small Tortoiseshell


Small Tortoiseshell
Photo Information
Copyright: Siegfried Potrykus (siggi) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 277 W: 3 N: 738] (2646)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-07-23
Categories: Insects
Exposure: f/5.6, 1/500 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2008-07-24 10:56
Viewed: 254
Points: 14
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
The Small Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis urticae)[citation needed] is a well-known colourful butterfly, found in temperate Europe. There are a few records from New York City which, however, are believed to have arrived human-assisted.

This is a species often found in gardens. The caterpillars feed on nettles, as do those of several Nymphalidae butterflies.

The adult is striking, with its dark body and red and yellow wings, which have a row of blue dots around the rear edge. However, the underwings are dull, which helps to conceal stationary or hibernating individuals. When threatened, resting individuals rapidly open their wings, presenting the dramatic display of colors. This can frighten away young or inexperienced birds (Stevens 2005).

The butterfly is abundant in most areas of the United Kingdom and Ireland. However, its availability often varies yearly. Its commonness may often depend on the status of the common wasp in that particular season, as the wasp is known to feed on the Tortoiseshell's pupae.

The Corsican Small Tortoiseshell Nymphalis (urticae) ichnusa looks very similar; whether it is a subspecies or a distinct species is yet to be determined.
jaycee, jusninasirun, vanderschelden, Juyona, Royaldevon, maurydv, crs has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • crs Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 269 W: 0 N: 388] (1583)
  • [2008-07-24 11:18]

Hi Siggi,

Nice and clear shot of this beautifully colored butterfly. Very nice way of catching the light falling on the wings. Colors look great as there are very natural.

Thank you for sharing,
Cristian

Ciao Siegfried,
bella macro di vanessa delle ortiche, ottima definzione dei dettagli e fantastici colori.
Grazie e complimenmti
Maurizio

Hello Siegfried,

I see the Tortoiseshell is on a buddleia!
My garden saw many of them last year! The buddleia is not in flower yet but sadly, I have seen no butterflies at all this year!

You have captured a good, sharp image with perfect colouring. Nice dof to blur the b/g.

Kind regards,
Bev :-)

  • Great 
  • Juyona Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 2038 W: 6 N: 2019] (13259)
  • [2008-07-24 14:58]

Hola amigo,
bella macro,
compo. original, hermosos colores...
saludos Siegfried

Hi Siegfried,
Good light. And good composition.
Well done
TFS
Annick

Hello Siegfried. Excellent sharp detail of this butterfly. Well captured and framed under well metered light. Well done and thanks for sharing. Best regards. Jusni

  • Great 
  • jaycee Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1778 W: 8 N: 4605] (14893)
  • [2008-07-25 10:36]

Hi Siggi,

I wonder if I will ever get the names of all of these butterflies straight! This Tortoiseshell looks wonderful on these pretty violet flowers. Beautiful colors, textures and details. I love the composition.

Jane

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