Fire-rim Tortoise Shell
 
Location: Cobble Flats, AB
Date: Aug. 4, 2007
               
       Photo 2

Common Name:  Milbert's or Fire-rim Tortoise Shell

Latin Name:  Aglais milberti Godart, 1819
                        (R. Bercha, det.)

Wingspan:  37 - 50 mm

Range:  Throughout Alberta

Habitat:  Open Places and Woodlands

Time of year seen:  Mid-March to October (Additional Sightings)

Preferred Flowers: Thistles, Goldenrod, Willow & Lilac

Caterpillar's Diet: Nettles, willow, elm and sunflower

Other: A widespread species that is found throughout Alberta.  It is more common in higher elevation forests where nettles are present and uncommon in the prairie regions.  As the adults over-winter, they are one of the first butterflies to be on the wing in the spring, with individuals out as early as March 13th.  There are two broods per year with the peak flight season for over wintering adults being May and June and the second generation during August and September. (Bird et al, 1995) 

 
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