Nymphalis xanthomelas

English name:
Yellow-legged Tortoiseshell
Full scientific name:
Nymphalis polychloros (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775)
Croatian name:
Žutonoga riđa

Red Book Category in EU: LC

Red Book Category in Croatia: EN

Wings span: 55-65 mm

Flight Period and Life Cycle

Flight period of Nymphalis xanthomelas in Croatia
Flight period of Nymphalis xanthomelas in Croatia

1 brood per year. Overwinters as imago.

Distribution in Croatia

Distribution of Nymphalis xanthomelas in Croatia
Distribution of Nymphalis xanthomelas in Croatia

There are some old observations only. Check the included map and literature ref below.

External Morphology Characteristics

The underside of the wings is a deep brown color, featuring a striking bright band located in the postdiscal zone. The upper side of both wings is reddish-orange with dark spots. On the forewing’s upper side, there is a dark band that runs along the entire edge of the wing in the marginal zone. Near the apex and costa there are small white spots. On the upper side of the hindwing, in S5-S7 zones, there is a dark spot.

Behavior

It often feeds on juices on the ground and rarely on the nectar of flowers.

Caterpillar Host Plants

Salix species.

Habitat

Woodland and woodland clearances. Elevations: 0-1000m.

Literature

Lorković Z.: The Rhopalocera Fauna of Croatia with Special Respect to the Fauna of Plitvice Lakes, Entomol. Croat., (2009)

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