Aglais urticae

Distinguished from the Large Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis polychloros) by smaller size, more extensive blue markings on the wing margins, and more ragged wing edges. The Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) has more pointed wings and lacks the bold black basal patches on the hindwings. The Comma (Polygonia c-album) has a characteristic white 'c' or comma mark on the underside of the hindwing and more angular wing margins. The Peacock (Aglais io) displays prominent eyespots on all wings rather than marginal blue spots.

Medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of approximately 45–62 mm. Forewings are orange with thick black markings and a row of blue spots along the outer margin. Hindwings are similarly patterned but with more extensive black at the base. The wing edges are somewhat ragged. Undersides are cryptically colored in mottled brown and grey, providing camouflage when the butterfly is at rest with wings closed. The body is dark and densely hairy.

Found in diverse open habitats including gardens, parks, meadows, hedgerows, woodland clearings, and riverbanks. Strongly associated with stands of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), the larval foodplant. Occurs from sea level to montane elevations. Adults also frequent flowering plants for nectar, particularly thistles, buddleia, and ice plant.

Widespread across Europe from the British Isles and Scandinavia to the Mediterranean, extending eastward through temperate Asia to Japan. Present in the European Union, Andorra, Albania, and throughout the Palearctic region. Absent from Iceland and parts of the far north.

Adults are active from early spring through autumn, with peak emergence in late summer. The species overwinters as adults, often in buildings, sheds, or hollow trees, and can be seen on warm winter days. Typically produces two generations per year in most of its range, with partial third generations in favorable southern conditions.

Larvae feed primarily on Common Nettle (Urtica dioica), and occasionally on Small Nettle (Urtica urens) or related Urticaceae. Adults feed on nectar from a variety of flowering plants including thistles (Cirsium, Carduus), buddleia (Buddleja davidii), ice plant (Sedum spectabile), and bramble (Rubus fruticosus). Adults have also been observed feeding on tree sap and rotting fruit.

• Urtica dioica - primary larval foodplantCommon Nettle; main foodplant throughout European range
• Urtica urens - occasional larval foodplantSmall Nettle; used when available

Eggs are laid in batches on the underside of nettle leaves. Larvae hatch and feed gregariously in early instars, later dispersing. They are black with yellow longitudinal stripes and spiny. Pupation occurs suspended from vegetation. The chrysalis is angular and cryptically colored in grey-brown or gold-green tones. Adults emerge after approximately two weeks. The species overwinters as an adult, one of few European butterflies to do so, allowing early spring reproduction.

Adults are territorial, especially males, which perch on prominent vegetation and chase intruders. They are strong fliers with a direct, gliding flight pattern. When disturbed, adults may flash their bright upperwings before settling with wings closed to reveal the cryptic underside. Commonly found basking in sunny spots. Overwintering adults often enter buildings and can become active indoors during warm spells.

Larvae function as herbivores, consuming nettle foliage and potentially influencing nettle patch dynamics. Adults serve as pollinators when visiting flowers. The species is a prey item for various birds, spiders, and insectivores. As a common and widespread species, it contributes to ecosystem food webs and serves as a bioindicator of habitat quality in urban and rural landscapes.

A popular and well-known butterfly, frequently featured in conservation outreach and education. Adults are common garden visitors and contribute to pollinator diversity in urban environments. The species has declined in parts of its range, particularly in the United Kingdom, prompting research into causes including agricultural intensification and climate effects. Larval damage to nettles is generally insignificant to human interests.

• Aglais ioPeacock butterfly; similar size and orange base color, but distinguished by large eyespots on all wings rather than blue marginal spots
• Nymphalis polychlorosLarge Tortoiseshell; larger size, less blue on wings, more rounded wing margins, and currently much rarer in northwestern Europe
• Vanessa carduiPainted Lady; more pointed wings, lacks bold black basal patches on hindwings, and has more extensive orange on forewings
• Polygonia c-albumComma; angular wing margins and distinctive white 'c' or comma mark on underside of hindwing

• butterfly
• Nymphalidae
• nettle feeder
• overwintering adult
• Palearctic
• common garden species

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life
• Provisional checklist of European butterfly larval foodplants
• Mitey troubles for house plants: Twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae — Bug of the Week
• How the Mighty Mite Conquered the Heart of One Entomologist
• How One Entomologist is Breaking Barriers in Crop Protection