Species - Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly (Aglais urticae)
Location - Anglers Country park
Grid Ref - SE 36946 16361
The Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly can be found in gardens across the UK, and is among one of the most well-known butterflies in the UK. It is one of the first butterflies to be seen in spring and in the autumn it often visits garden flowers in large numbers.
Adults feed on nectar and may hibernate over winter; in warmer climates they may have two broods in a season. While the dorsal surface of the wings is vividly marked, the ventral surface is drab, providing camouflage. Eggs are laid on the common nettle, on which the larvae feed.
Once among the most common butterflies in Europe, this butterfly is in very rapid decline, at least in Western Europe. During periods of drought, the butterfly experiences a vastly reduced reproductive rate, mainly because the nettles on which the larvae feed are affected.
The wings of Tortoiseshell butterflies help conceal them extremely well from predators like birds. When closed, their wings look like leaves, helping them to hide. On the ground, it may take birds up to 30 minutes to see them. In addition to this, when discovered, tortoiseshell butterflies will flick their wings open to reveal bright colours. While they don't have eyespots like many other butterflies, these bright contrasting colours can often scare a predator, giving the tortoiseshell butterfly ample time to escape.
