Small Tortoiseshell vs Sallow
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Small Tortoiseshell | Sallow |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aglais urticae | Xanthia icteritia |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Noctuidae |
| Size | Wingspan 45-55mm | 30-36 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Hedgerows |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Europe |
| 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.
Sallow
A pretty golden-yellow moth found in autumn, associated with sallow trees. Adults can be attracted to sugar or wine rope. Larvae feed on sallow catkins before descending to feed on low plants.
Did You Know?
Larvae begin life eating sallow catkins high in trees, then descend to complete development on ground-level plants.