A medium sized distinctive butterfly, dark brown with large orange patches, and a small white spot on the forewing costa. The shape of the wings are unique. Members of the genius, which L. celtis is the only member in Europe, are characterised by their very long palpi, seen sticking out the front of their head.
This butterfly is usually found flying around or near to Nettle Trees. These can be found in rural or urban habitats. CBC member Richard Roebuck discovered a population of the Nettle Tree butterfly on the large Nettle Tree at the bottom of Lochagou Spyrou Vlaikou (near the New Fortress) in Corfu Town.
European Nettle Tree Celtis australis.
This species has one brood a year, and overwinters as an adult. These butterflies adopt individuals Nettle trees, utilising them as the centre of their territories. In April courtship takes place by worn butterflies and ovae are laid. The larvae can be found with either a green or brown colour morph in their final instar. They pupate directly attached to the leves of the tree. Immaculate butterflies can be photographed in May.
*The information provided in the tables below is based on verified sightings of the Nettle-tree Butterfly submitted via this website since 1st January 2021.
Year | First | Last/latest | # Days |
---|---|---|---|
2023 | 17/02/2023 | 06/06/2023 | 109 days |
2022 | 17/02/2022 | 28/11/2022 | 284 days |
2021 | 29/03/2021 | 20/10/2021 | 205 days |
Year | Number of observations |
---|---|
2023 | 271 |
2022 | 240 |
2021 | 37 |
Grand Total | 548 |
The chart below shows flight data by month for 2023 submitted online since 1st January 2023 to 8th June 2023.
The chart below shows flight data by month based on all data submitted online since 1st January 2019 to 8th June 2023.
For a list of references, please see our bibliography page.