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Project Noah Nature School
Nymphalis polychloros
Medium size butterfly that looks very similar to the Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae).ca. 5 cm wingspan, females a bit bigger. The upper side of the wings is orange with dark blobs. The underside of the wings is dark brown with a paler band. The wing edges are irregular. The adult insect (imago) over-winters in dry dark places, such as hollow trees or out buildings. The caterpillars (larvae) are gregarious, and systematically strip the topmost twigs of the tree bare. The spanish name, olmera, reffers to the fact that they can be a plague for elm trees (Ulmus spp.)
Oak forest. Reserva de la Biosfera del Real Sitio de San Ildefonso-El Espinar.
Camera Model: NIKON D500. Exposure Time: 1/500 sec.; f/7.1; ISO Speed Rating: 635. Exposure Bias: 0 EV. Focal Length: 300.0 mm. No flash fired. DSC_4284
You are right, Daniele. I cannot believe I made this mistake. I precipitated. Also a bit rusty after a period away from PN
Hi Angel! What you have here is not a Small Tortoiseshell but its larger cousin, Nymphalis polychloros. The main different is an extra large back spot at the margin of the bottom part of the forewing (upper side).
Spotted on Jun 23, 2019
Submitted on Oct 15, 2019
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