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Milbert's tortoiseshell

Milbert's tortoiseshell

Aglais milberti

A species of Tortoiseshells, Also known as Milbert's tortoiseshell butterfly

Milbert's tortoiseshell (Aglais milberti) is a beautiful butterfly that is identified with their black coloring. The upperside of them is anywhere from red to brown and often fades into white. They are the only species under the Tortoiseshell butterflies that occur in North America.

General Info About Milbert's tortoiseshell
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Attributes of Milbert's tortoiseshell
Habitat
moist pasture; marsh; trail; roadside
Adult Food Sources
Thistle (cirsium spp.), aster (aster spp.), buddleia (buddleja spp.), goldenrod (solidago spp.), milkweed (asclepias spp.)
Larva Food Source
Nettle leaves (urtica dioica), false nettle (boehmeria cylindrica)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Milbert's tortoiseshell is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Milbert's tortoiseshell is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Milbert's tortoiseshell feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
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Species Status of Milbert's tortoiseshell
It is found in North America. The species' range includes all of Canada and Alaska south of the tundra, the western United States and much of the eastern United States.
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Distribution Area of Milbert's tortoiseshell
North America
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Life Cycle of Milbert's tortoiseshell
Egg During the egg stage, the milbert's tortoiseshell begins life as a small, often spherical or ovate object, usually attached to a leaf or stem. Its color can vary, and this stage is exclusively for growth and development inside the egg.
Larva The larval stage is when the milbert's tortoiseshell emerges as a caterpillar, primarily focused on consuming food and growing. The caterpillar will molt several times, increasing in size, and its coloration may change to better camouflage with its surroundings.
Pupal Transitioning into the pupal stage, the milbert's tortoiseshell encases itself in a chrysalis. During this time, it undergoes significant transformation, reorganizing internally. The chrysalis may exhibit different colors or patterns, indicating the nearing emergence of the adult.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult milbert's tortoiseshell’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Adult Size of Milbert's tortoiseshell
4 - 6 cm
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Predators of Milbert's tortoiseshell Larvae
Birds, rodents, invertebrate predators (e.g., ants, wasps)
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Predators of Adult Milbert's tortoiseshell
Birds, spiders, rodents, reptiles, amphibians
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Scientific Classification of Milbert's tortoiseshell
Tips for Finding Milbert's tortoiseshell
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Youth Habitat of Milbert's tortoiseshell
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Rotting and Decaying Matter
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Adult Habitat of Milbert's tortoiseshell
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas
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How Can You Attract Milbert's tortoiseshell
Ripe fruit, nectar, or sugar solutions can be used as attractants for adult milbert's tortoiseshell.
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Habitat Preferences of Milbert's tortoiseshell Through Different Life Stages
The larvae of milbert's tortoiseshell are typically found on nettles, where the females lay their eggs. These plants provide a food source for the larvae upon hatching. As they mature into caterpillars, they might be observed feeding on the leaves. The pupae of milbert's tortoiseshell often attach themselves to the underside of leaves or on twigs in a concealed location to avoid predators during their pupation stage. This concealed spot provides security as they undergo metamorphosis. In searching for the adult milbert's tortoiseshell, look in open areas with plenty of flowers, as these are the places the butterflies feed on nectar. They frequent meadows, forest edges, and sometimes gardens where these food sources are abundant.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Milbert's tortoiseshell
The best time to find adult milbert's tortoiseshell is during warm, sunny days, usually mid to late morning, when they are most active.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Milbert's tortoiseshell
Calm, dry conditions with little to no wind are ideal for finding milbert's tortoiseshell. Excessive heat, rain, or strong winds can greatly reduce their activity.
Are Milbert's tortoiseshell harmful?
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Usually, the milbert's tortoiseshell won't threaten or hurt humans. But remember that even a worm will turn. Remember to still be cautious.

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Are Milbert's tortoiseshell harmful to humans?

Some larvae of tortoiseshell butterflies feed on milkweed, which is a poisonous plant containing cardiac glycosides, so the larvae are poisonous. Although poisonous, these butterflies will not directly affect humans if not swallowed. Touching the larvae of certain tortoiseshell butterflies may cause a rash.
Beneficial Effects of Milbert's tortoiseshell
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Milbert's tortoiseshell is attracted to flowers predominantly by their color, particularly the Asteraceae family. During its nectar-feeding process, this pollinator inadvertently collects pollen on its body and transfers it to other blooms, effectively pollinating them while searching for food.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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