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Small Tortoiseshell

Small Tortoiseshell

Scientific classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Arthropoda
Class:Insecta
Order:Lepidoptera
Superfamily:Papilionoidea
Family:Nymphalidae
Genus:Nymphalis
Species:urticae
The Small Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis urticae) is a well-known colourful butterfly, found in temperate Europe. There are a few records from New York City which, however, are believed to have arrived human-assisted.

This is a species often found in gardens. The caterpillars feed on nettles, as do those of several Nymphalidae butterflies.

The adult is striking, with its dark body and red and yellow wings, which have a row of blue dots around the rear edge. However, the underwings are dull, which helps to conceal stationary or hibernating insects.