Brush-footed butterflies · Sweden

Small Tortoiseshell

Aglais urticae

A common butterfly with yellow and red wings, black patches, and blue streaks. It is widespread across Sweden and Fennoscandia. Like the peacock’s eye, it overwinters as an adult and can be seen as early as early spring.

Status in this countryLeast concern in SwedenLC (Least concern)

Flight period

Newly emerged butterflies are observed from the end of June to August; overwintering individuals fly from March to May.

Habitat

Open areas, gardens, and forest edges where stinging nettle grows.

Identifying features

Wingspan 40–52 millimetres. The wings are yellowish-red with black fields, a white spot on the front edge of the forewing, and a series of blue spot markings along the outer edge. The underside is dark and subtle.

Similar species

No similar species are described in the sources consulted.

Distribution

Widespread throughout Sweden and Fennoscandia.

Biology

The larvae live together on stinging nettle. The species overwinters as an adult butterfly.