Home / Brush-Footed (Nymphalidae) / Milbert’s Tortoiseshell (Aglais milberti)

Milbert’s Tortoiseshell (Aglais milberti)

The Milbert’s Tortoiseshell is the sole species of the Aglais genus present in North America. There has been a controversy regarding their actual genus as some consider it to be nymphalis, with both of them being unified at one point of time. It is even said that butterflies of the aglais genus have a brighter hue.

Scientific Classification

Family: Nymphalidae
Genus: Aglais
Common names: Fire-rim tortoiseshell
Scientific Name: Aglais milberti

Description and Identification

Caterpillar

The larva is black with spiny projections.

Pupa

The pupa is brown with an outline of black.

Adult Butterfly

Sexual Dimorphism: Present

Color and Appearance: When opened, the upper sidewith orange bands that gets lighter and becomes yellow when it reaches the inner edge. The fore as well as hind wings have black borders while the latter may also possess small, blue spots. When closed, they are black with a brown band.

Average wingspan: 4.2 cm to 6.3 cm

Flight pattern: Fast

Eggs

The eggs are round and green in color.

Quick Facts
Distribution	Throughout the western and eastern United States, and also the whole of Alaska and Canada
Habitat	Near wet wood lands, moist marshes and pastures
Lifespan adults	Approximately 10 days
Host plants	Lilac, thistles, goldenrod
Adult diet	Nectar of flowers as well as dung, plant sap and rotting fruit