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Photography with cameras
Nikon D3x, Nikon D300, Canon 50D
Image editing with Photoshop |
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| | | | Small tortoiseshell | | The small tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae, synonym Nymphalis urticae) is a migratory butterfly species in the family Nymphalidae, the subfamily Nymphalinae and the genus Aglais. This species is widespread and abundant in Europe and Asia up to the Arctic region. | | |
| | | | The small tortoiseshell can reach wingspans of 40 - 50 mm. The base colour of the wings’ upper surface is orange. The front edge of the forewing bears a pattern of black, yellow and white patches with 1 large and 2 small black spots in the middle. The underside of the wings is black and has markings in different greys and grey-brown colours. The hind wings only bear a black patch. Both pairs of wings, have a pattern of black at the edge. At higher altitudes in, more southerly locations small tortoiseshells are bigger and brighter. | | |
| | | | The caterpillars are about 30 mm in length. They are black with fine white spots. They have two broken yellow lines on their sides, and their body is purplish-brown in colour. The back and sides are spiny. Small tortoiseshell butterflies drink nectar from a wide range of plants, including Eupatorium and thistles. | | |
| | | | The small tortoiseshell produces 2 to 3 new generations a year. They can be encountered from March to October. They overwinter in protected places. Egg-laying occurs after overwintering, on the undersides of the leaves of the larval food plants, grand nettle, for example. A clutch comprises approximately 50 to 200 eggs. The young caterpillars, which hatch after a few days, are gregarious and live in self spinned tissue. At the end of the larval period, lasting 1 to 2 months, they are living solitarily or in small groups. The caterpillars then pupate. The pupae are brown or light green with shimmering patches and are covered in spines. 12 days after pupating the small tortoiseshell butterfly hatches. Parasitic Diptera pose a threat to the caterpillars. Birds eat the pupae, but not the caterpillars. | | |
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| | Description of images / photos
Photography with Cameras
Nikon D3x, Nikon D300, Canon 50D
Image editing with Photoshop | | 1. | Small Tortoiseshell - Aglais urticae - Nymphalidae | | 2. | Nymphalidae - Small Tortoiseshell - side face | | 3. | Small Tortoiseshell view from the rear | | 4. | Butterfly - Small Tortoiseshell | | 5. | Butterflies - Small Tortoiseshell with Silver Y |
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