Small Tortoiseshell

Distribution: Eurasia, also spotted in New York LSize: 5 to 6 cm wingspan Life expectancy: Up to 8 months Diet: Herbivorous Number of eggs: Around 80 to 100 IUCN red list status: Not Evaluated The small tortoiseshell (*Aglais urticae*) has a pattern of orange and yellow markings, black spots, a small white spot near the wing edges, and a blue-bordered margin on the upper surface of its wings. The caterpillars (larvae) are black and yellow, with eggs hatching about 12 days after being laid on stinging nettle (*Urtica* spp.) leaves. Upon hatching, the caterpillars create a communal silk shelter on the nettle leaves, where they initially live together. As they grow, they start to form smaller groups and eventually become solitary before pupating. Adult butterflies emerge from the pupae approximately two weeks later. As larvae, they feed primarily on the leaves of common nettle (*Urtica dioica*) and small nettle (*Urtica uren*), while adults mainly consume nectar. They build fat reserves from this nectar to sustain them during hibernation in winter. Male and female small tortoiseshells have no easily noticeable differences, although they engage in a distinctive courtship ritual. Males wait for passing females, intercepting and chasing them until the female lands. If receptive, the female will open her wings, signaling acceptance. If another male approaches, the resident male will abandon the female momentarily to expel the intruder.