Milbert's Tortoiseshell Aglais milberti

Photo of Milbert's Tortoiseshell (Aglais milberti)

(c) Matt Muir, some rights reserved (CC BY)

OrderButterflies and Moths (Lepidoptera)
FamilyBrush-footed Butterflies (Nymphalidae)
GenusTortoiseshells (Aglais)

There are only two tortoiseshell butterfly species in all of North America, and this is one of them—making it a continental rarity among this fascinating group. Also known as the fire-rim tortoiseshell, it's the only member of the genus Aglais confirmed to occur on this continent. Its relative scarcity compared to European tortoiseshells makes spotting one a genuine treat for butterfly enthusiasts exploring woodlands and disturbed areas. If you see one, you've found something special.

Think you can identify this one in the wild?

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