By becoming a member of Butterfly Conservation today you can do something important not just for Britain's butterflies and moths but for the planet as whole.
What you'll receive
Members will receive a fantastic pack including a set of collectible postcards, access to our nature reserves, a subscription to our exclusive magazine 3 times a year, plus more!
Bright orange and black wings with white spot in forewing which separates it from the larger and much rarer Large Tortoiseshell.
Widespread throughout Britain and Ireland, commonly found in gardens.
The Small Tortoiseshell is among the most well known butterflies in Britain and Ireland. The striking and attractive patterning, and its appearance at almost any time of the year in urban areas have made it a familiar species. It is one of the first butterflies to be seen in spring and in the autumn it often visits garden flowers in large numbers.
The Small Tortoiseshell is one of our most widespread species and has shown little overall change in range.
Size and Family
Family – Nymphalids
Medium/Larged Sized
Wing Span Range (male to female) - 50-56mm
Conservation status
UK BAP status: Not assessed
Butterfly Conservation priority: low but concern over recent decades
European status: Not threatened
Caterpillar Foodplants
Common Nettle (Urtica dioica) and Small Nettle (U. urens) are used.
Distribution
Countries – England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland
Distribution Trend Since 1970’s = Britain: -3%
Habitat
A popular garden visitor that can be found in a wide variety of habitats.
