Milbert's Tortoiseshell
Common NameMilbert's Tortoiseshell
Scientific NameAglais milberti
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Primary Colorsorange, black, brown
HabitatOpen woodlands, forest edges, clearings, meadows, roadsides, riparian areas
Geographic RangeNorth America, from Alaska and Canada south through the western U.S. to California and Arizona, and in the eastern U.S. to the Great Lakes region and New England.
Host PlantsUrtica dioica, Urtica gracilis, Urtica procera
Flight PeriodApril to November (multiple broods)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in clusters on nettle host plants. Larvae are spiny, black with yellow stripes, and feed gregariously. They pupate into a chrysalis, and adults emerge, often overwintering.
Identification TipsKey features include the broad orange band contrasting with dark wings, and a row of blue spots along the hindwing margin. The underside is mottled dark brown, providing camouflage.
Description
This butterfly features dark brown to black basal wings, followed by a prominent, broad orange band across both forewings and hindwings. The outer margin is dark with a row of small blue spots on the hindwings.
