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Aglais urticae
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
Aglais urtica:(Small Tortoiseshell / Kleine vos )
Key Identification Features:
-Red, black and yellow tortoiseshell pattern on upperwings
-Blue spots on wing margins
Description: Wingspan 45-62mm. The sexes look very similar but males are smaller than females. The upperside is a rich tawny red with black and yellow blotches. The slightly scalloped wings have a series of blue spots close to the side and hind margins. The undersides are less colourful, the pattern on the forewing being a duller reflection of the upperside.
Flight Time: March - October (hibernates).
Ecology: Can be seen in most habitats but especially associated with highly modified grasslands, gardens and derelict, disturbed sites. Adults are highly mobile, moving steadily across the countryside. Adults aggregate on nectar sources and clumps of foodplants. After spring emergence, males form territories around a patch of foodplant and chase any other adults seen. Territories will be abandoned if no female is encountered within c 90 minutes. When a female is found, a prolonged chase ensues, before mating occurs. Adults of the new generation feed on nectar sources prior to entering hibernation. A wide range of flowers are used including many wild, garden and exotic species especially Buddleja Buddleja davidii, Michaelmas Daisies Aster spp. and Valerians Centranthus spp. The larval foodplants are nettles Urtica spp.
World Distribution: Throughout Europe and Asia. |
wishnugaruda, phlr, coasties has marked this note useful
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Hi Harm,
same idea at the same day.
I also have this butterfly here today but your note is much better and more informative, thank you. As a bonus there is also this pretty hoverfly, very well done.
Thanks for sharing, perhaps you also like mine, I hope so, bye and have a nice sunday
Sabine wishnugaruda
- manyee
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3071 W: 231 N: 5861]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(19714) - [2005-12-03 18:13]
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A beautiful butterfly, Harm. It has gorgeous patterns and colors. Good POV as well. The focus is a bit on the soft side. I am thinking a bit more contrast might bring out the colors and details more. I made a quick workshop for you. Hope you like it.
Oh, I guess you don't allow workshops. Never mind then. : )
Hi Harm, a nice close-up with two insects.
It's a bit soft and lack of contrast but still a nice picture.
Well composed, good POV and nice colours.
Well done.
- phlr
(2804)
- [2005-12-04 6:29]
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Very good photo of this lovely Nymphalidae!
Beautiful clours!
Very good details!
Great sharpness!
Excelent BG!
Hi Harm
Well done on getting two in the same frame. Lovely rich colours and well composed. The petals by the bee are a bit over exposed. Well done. Thanks.
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 100 W: 1 N: 1472]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-n-g.gif){kind=small}