Brush-footed butterflies · Denmark

Small Tortoiseshell

Aglais urticae

Small Tortoiseshell is common in Denmark. Wing span: 45-50 mm. The species actively flies after overwintering, i.e., Small Tortoiseshell actually lives everywhere where there is nettles, for example in forests, in open fields, along ditches, in gardens, and near houses.

Status in this countryCommon in DenmarkLC (Least concern)

Flight period

The species is actively flying after overwintering, i.e., from March through June.

Habitat

Small Tortoiseshell actually exists everywhere where nettles is found, for example in forests, in open fields, along ditches, in gardens, and near houses. It overwinters in houses, hollow trees, and similar places.

Identifying features

Wingspan: 45-50 mm. Small Tortoiseshell is Denmark's national butterfly.

Similar species

Small Tortoiseshell may be confused with other nymphalids, such as the rare large tortoiseshell and Yellow-legged tortoiseshell. It is distinguished mainly by its white forewing spots and its 3 black forewing spots below the zebra-striped band, whereas the other two species have 4.

Distribution

Small Tortoiseshell is widespread throughout the country.

Biology

The species flies high in a spiral flight during the spring mating season. The male is territorial and drives other insects away from the area surrounding its resting place.