milbert tortoise shell
Aglais milberti
Identification: Wingspan 1 5/8 - 2 1/2 inches. Forewing tip squared-off. Upperside is black with a wide orange submarginal band which grades to yellow at the inner edge of band. Narrow black marginal border on both wings; the hindwing border may contain some blue spots.
Habitat: Wet areas near woodlands, moist pastures, marshes.
Garden Habit: In the afternoon, males perch on hillsides, banks of gulches, logs, or behind bushes to watch for females. Eggs are laid in large batches of up to 900 on the underside of host plant leaves. Young caterpillars feed together in a web, while older ones feed alone and make shelters of folded leaves tied with silk. Adults hibernate, sometimes in small groups.
Host Plants: Plants in the nettle family such as stinging nettle, also hops vine.
Identification: Wingspan 1 5/8 - 2 1/2 inches. Forewing tip squared-off. Upperside is black with a wide orange submarginal band which grades to yellow at the inner edge of band. Narrow black marginal border on both wings; the hindwing border may contain some blue spots.
Habitat: Wet areas near woodlands, moist pastures, marshes.
Garden Habit: In the afternoon, males perch on hillsides, banks of gulches, logs, or behind bushes to watch for females. Eggs are laid in large batches of up to 900 on the underside of host plant leaves. Young caterpillars feed together in a web, while older ones feed alone and make shelters of folded leaves tied with silk. Adults hibernate, sometimes in small groups.
Host Plants: Plants in the nettle family such as stinging nettle, also hops vine.