Small Tortoiseshell, Aglais urticae

Aglais urticae
Tillingham Valley, Photo: Steve Wheatley

Recorded sightings in 2009: 156

Recorded sightings in 2010: 299

Status in Rother: Occurs sparingly across Rother, and occasionally in high numbers where nettles are suitable for larvae, especially in the river valleys.

Habitat: The adult butterflies can be seen in any habitat, from gardens to city centres. The foodplants prosper in nutrient-enriched soils and breeding habitats are often associated with human activity, even areas of intensive agriculture. Common Nettle is the principal larval foodplant.

ID Tips: A very rich orange with black bands and dotted blue border. Most likely to be found on or near nettles.

First sighting in Rother (2009): 20 March
Recorded by: Gordon Jarvis

First sighting in Rother (2010): 15 March
Recorded by: Owen Johnson

UK Distribution trend: -3%

Ten year UK Population trend (1995-2004): -34%

Long term UK population trend: -15%

Distribution map