Small Tortoiseshell
Aglais urticae
Ruán Beag [IRL]
La Petite Tortue [F]
Kleiner Fuchs [D]
photo
Most habitats - Gardens, Woodlands, Hedgerows.
Widespread in Ireland.
Nettles.
50-55mm (2.44 inches)
This is a very common butterfly which regularly frequents gardens, particularly favouring Buddlea bushes.
It is mainly reddish-orange with black markings and blue spots around the border. In contrast, the underside is quite dull.
It can be found sometimes hibernating in houses.
