Life
Cycle of the Small
tortoiseshell
Ovum:
The greenish globular eggs are laid in clusters of about 80 on the
underside of a growing leaf of the Common
Nettle Urtica dioica. They can be found from March onwards
but more commonly in April/May and July/August.
Larva:
The larvae hatch in 7-21 days. The mature
larvae vary in
colour from yellow to black, most frequently yellow,
closely covered in black speckling and short hairs. There is a black
mediodorsal line bordered by clear
ground colour, and two broken bands of yellow along each side.
Spiracles are black and ringed with yellow.
The early instars remain together and spin a tent by drawing together a few leaves at
the top of the plant
with silk into which they retreat to live, moult and feed. They move on to form a new retreat on fresh nettle
leaves as each leafy tent is consumed.
By the final instar in May/June (1st brood), and July/August (2nd brood) they become more
solitary.
The larval stage takes approximately 4 weeks after which the larvae enter the pupal
stage.
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Early instars © DHardiman 2004 |
Pupa:
The
pupa hangs vertically downwards from vegetation or walls or under ledges about a metre above
ground,
suspended from a silken pad by its cremasteral hooks.
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© DHardiman 2004 |
Adult:
The adult emerges in
2-4 weeks. The second brood of Butterflies, that emerges from
pupation from mid-August
onwards, enter hibernation
between mid-September and November. They overwinter
in sheds, attics
and in houses and resume activity the following Spring. Mating
takes place after overwintering and eggs are
laid from March onwards.
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© DHardiman 2004 |
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