About 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.
How to Identify Small Tortoiseshell
Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Nymphalidae. Adults typically measure Wingspan 45-55mm.
Small Tortoiseshell Habitat
Small Tortoiseshell is found in woodlands habitats, particularly across Europe, Asia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Small Tortoiseshell Diet and Feeding
Small Tortoiseshell is a herbivore, feeding on plant material including leaves, stems, flowers, and other vegetation. Herbivorous insects play a significant role in ecosystems by influencing plant growth and serving as a food source for predators.
Where Is Small Tortoiseshell Found?
Small Tortoiseshell can be found in Europe, Asia, where it inhabits woodlands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Small Tortoiseshell can be found
Is Small Tortoiseshell Dangerous?
Small Tortoiseshell is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Small Tortoiseshell Role in Nature
Small Tortoiseshell is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Tortoiseshell
What does Small Tortoiseshell look like?
The Small Tortoiseshell typically measures Wingspan 45-55mm.
Where is Small Tortoiseshell found?
The Small Tortoiseshell is found in Europe, Asia and typically inhabits woodlands environments.
What does Small Tortoiseshell eat?
The Small Tortoiseshell feeds on plant material including leaves, stems, and other vegetation.
Is Small Tortoiseshell dangerous to humans?
The Small Tortoiseshell is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Small Tortoiseshell?
Adults hibernate in attics and sheds and can survive freezing temperatures by producing glycerol as natural antifreeze.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/small-tortoiseshell
MLA:
"Small Tortoiseshell." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/small-tortoiseshell.