Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae

Habitat

Small Tortoiseshell is a common and widespread resident throughout the UK. It is found in almost any habitat and is a common visitor to gardens, feeding on cultivated flowers.

Identification

The Small Tortoiseshell has a distinctive pattern on an orange background and a row of blue spots along the edges of the wings.

Flight times

The Small Tortoiseshell hibernates as an adult and usually emerges in March, although it can be seen in almost any month. There are two generations, flying between late June and early October.

Food plants

Eggs are laid in large clusters on the underside of Nettle leaves.

Small Tortoiseshell
Small Tortoiseshell - © Simon Jenkins

Distribution Maps

2005-2009
Small Tortoiseshell distribution map 2005-09
2010-14
Small Tortoiseshell distribution map 2010-14
2015-19
Small Tortoiseshell distribution map 2015-19
2015
Small Tortoiseshell distribution map 2015
2015 Summary
No of tetrads 961
First sighting 04/01/2015
Last sighting 29/01/2015
2016
Small Tortoiseshell distribution map 2016
2016 Summary
No of tetrads 762
First sighting 12/01/2016
Last sighting 25/12/2016
2017
Small Tortoiseshell distribution map 2017
2017 Summary
No of tetrads 772
First sighting 02/01/2017
Last sighting 22/12/2017
2018
Small Tortoiseshell distribution map 2018
2018 Summary
No of tetrads 844
First sighting 01/01/2018
Last sighting 12/11/2018
2019
Small Tortoiseshell distribution map 2019
2019 Summary
No of tetrads 1085
First sighting 01/01/2019
Last sighting 17/11/2019
2020
Small Tortoiseshell distribution map 2020
2020 Summary
No of tetrads 1147
First sighting 04/01/2020
Last sighting 15/12/2020
2021
Small Tortoiseshell distribution map 2021
2021 Summary
No of tetrads 1065
First sighting 01/01/2021
Last sighting 24/12/2021
2022
Small Tortoiseshell distribution map 2022
2022 Summary
No of tetrads 863
First sighting 02/01/2022
Last sighting 20/11/2022
2023
Small Tortoiseshell distribution map 2023
2023 Summary
No of tetrads 860
First sighting 07/01/2023
Last sighting 24/11/2023

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