(Esper, 1781)
Yellow-legged Tortoiseshell
Description:
The Yellow-legged Tortoiseshell occurs in lowland woodland in Eastern Europe, in damp, deciduous woods growing on flood plains, or on the wooded banks of streams and rivers. Different trees are used as food plants, including willows (Salix spp.), poplars (Populus spp.), elms (Ulmus spp.), and Nettle Tree (Celtis australis).
Until nearly fully-grown, the caterpillars inhabit large communal nests, which they spin in branches that hang over the water. The Yellow-legged Tortoiseshell hibernates as a butterfly hidden away in such places as hollow trees or wood piles. It is single-brooded.
Habitat:
Mixed woodland
Alluvial and very wet forest
Deciduous forests
Similar species:
Aglais urticae
Nymphalis vaualbum
Nymphalis polychloros