Indian Tortoiseshell vs Mnestra's Ringlet
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Indian Tortoiseshell | Mnestra's Ringlet |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aglais caschmirensis | Erebia mnestra |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 55-65 mm wingspan | 32-38 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Mountains | Grasslands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | South Asia (India, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, Himalayan region) | Alps |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Indian Tortoiseshell
A beautiful butterfly with rich orange-brown wings edged with blue spots and irregular dark markings. It is found in the Himalayan highlands and is closely related to the European tortoiseshell butterflies.
Did You Know?
This butterfly can survive at elevations over 4000 meters in the Himalayas, basking on sun-warmed rocks to thermoregulate.
Mnestra's Ringlet
A dark alpine ringlet with bright orange patches on its forewings. It inhabits steep, rocky grasslands at high elevations.
Did You Know?
It has a two-year life cycle, with larvae overwintering twice before pupating.