Small Tortoiseshell

Gardens, parks, meadows, woodlands, and urban areas throughout temperate Europe and Asia.

Adults feed on nectar from various flowers, particularly thistles, buddleia, and dandelions. Caterpillars feed primarily on the leaves of nettles (Urtica dioica and Urtica urens).

This butterfly is known for its strong flight and ability to migrate. It often overwinters as an adult in sheds, outbuildings, or hollow trees, emerging early in spring. Males are territorial and will perch to await females. The caterpillars are gregarious and live in silken webs on nettle plants.

Benefits: Important pollinators for various plants. Their caterpillars are a food source for birds and other predators. Risks: None to humans. Can be considered a minor pest to nettle plants if populations are very high, but this is rarely an issue.