Small Tortoiseshell vs Ringlet
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Small Tortoiseshell | Ringlet |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aglais urticae | Aphantopus hyperantus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | Wingspan 45-55mm | Wingspan 42-48mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Grasslands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Small Tortoiseshell
A familiar orange butterfly with black and yellow markings and a row of blue crescents along the wing margins. It hibernates in buildings over winter.
Did You Know?
Adults hibernate in attics and sheds and can survive freezing temperatures by producing glycerol as natural antifreeze.
Ringlet
A dark chocolate-brown butterfly with small ringed eyespots on the underwings. Flies in shady grasslands.
Did You Know?
One of the few butterflies that thrives in shade, often flying in cloudy weather when others are grounded.