Small_Tortoiseshell Small_Tortoiseshell

Small Tortoiseshell - Definition and Overview

Small Tortoiseshell
Small Tortoiseshell
Scientific classification
Domain:Eukaryota
Kingdom:Animalia
Subkingdom:Metazoa
Phylum:Arthropoda
Subphylum:Hexapoda
Class:Insecta
Subclass:Pterygota
Infraclass:Neoptera
Superorder:Endopterygota
Order:Lepidoptera
Suborder:Ditrysia
Division:Rhopalocera
Superfamily:Papilionoidea
Family:Nymphalidae
Subfamily:Nymphalinae
Tribe:Nymphalini
Genus:Nymphalis
Species:urticae
Binomial name
Nymphalis urticae
(Linnaeus, 1758)

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.

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