Common name : Small tortoiseshell
Scientific name : Aglais urticae
Family : Nymphalidae
Native to : Europe and Asia
Interesting fact : Droughts have an adverse effect on this butterfly, especially since droughts affect the leaves of the Nettle plants (the host plant for the larvae).
4-6 cm in wingspan, the small tortoiseshell butterfly has a great defence mechanism against predators. The underside of its wings resembles leaves, making them difficult to spot. While the larvae feed on the leaves of various nettle plants, the adult butterfly feeds almost entirely on nectar. The larvae are social in nature.
