Tortoiseshell
Guides
Aglais
Tortoiseshells
Aglais is a Holarctic genus of brush-footed butterflies commonly known as tortoiseshells. The genus contains several well-known European species including the small tortoiseshell (A. urticae) and the peacock butterfly (A. io). Taxonomic placement remains somewhat contentious, with some authorities treating Aglais as a subgenus of Nymphalis rather than a separate genus. Species in this genus are characterized by their distinctive wing patterns and adult hibernation behavior.
Aglais milberti
Milbert's Tortoiseshell, Fire-rim Tortoiseshell
Aglais milberti is a medium-sized butterfly native to North America and the only representative of the genus Aglais on the continent. It is one of two tortoiseshell butterfly species in North America, distinguished by its black wings with wide orange to yellow submarginal bands. Adults hibernate through winter and produce two broods annually. The species occupies diverse moist habitats across a broad geographic range spanning Canada, Alaska, and most of the continental United States.
Nymphalis
tortoiseshells, anglewing butterflies
Nymphalis is a genus of brush-footed butterflies commonly known as tortoiseshells or anglewing butterflies. The genus name, established by Jan Krzysztof Kluk in 1780, has priority in zoological nomenclature for this group. Members are characterized by cryptic ventral wing patterns that provide camouflage during hibernation. All species in this group overwinter as adults and are restricted to the northern hemisphere. The sister group is Vanessa.
Nymphalis l-album
Compton Tortoiseshell, False Comma
The Compton Tortoiseshell is a butterfly in the family Nymphalidae, closely related to other tortoiseshell butterflies. It shares the characteristic reduced front legs of brushfoot butterflies, with only four functional walking legs. The species exhibits territorial behavior typical of the genus, with males defending perches against rivals.