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The Small Tortoiseshell
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
The Small Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis urticae) 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 theior 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 Aglais (urticae) ichnusa looks very similar; whether it is a subspecies or a distinct species is yet to be determined.
Source: Wikipedia |
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![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 472 W: 99 N: 624]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(3213) - [2007-07-09 9:29]
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Hi Anna
Great compo and beautifull colours, very nice BG, sharpness good but not the whole wing in the DOF.
Lovely anyway due to the great colours
Cheers
Tom
![Silver Star Critiquer/Silver Note Writer [C: 10 W: 0 N: 38]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/s-n-s.gif){kind=small}