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Small tortoiseshell
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==Behaviour== ===Predator defence=== The wings of tortoiseshell butterflies help conceal them extremely well from predators. When closed, their wings look like leaves, helping them to hide. On the ground, it may take birds up to 30 minutes to see them. In addition to this, when discovered, tortoiseshell butterflies will flick their wings open to reveal bright colours. While they don't have [[eyespot (mimicry)|eyespots]] like many other butterflies, these bright contrasting colours can often scare a predator, giving the tortoiseshell butterfly ample time to escape.<ref>Vallin, Sven Jakobsson, and Christer Wiklund, (2006) "[http://www.intercult.su.se/publications/Vallin_et_al_2006.pdf Crypsis versus Intimidation—anti-predation Defence in Three Closely Related Butterflies] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712231731/http://www.intercult.su.se/publications/Vallin_et_al_2006.pdf |date=2019-07-12 }}." ''Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology'' '''59''' (3): 455–59</ref> Not only does this colouration tend to frighten birds, it can also act as a warning. The bright red colouration serves as a cautionary sign to the predator about the poor taste of the butterfly. Tortoiseshell butterflies tend to be unpalatable to birds. If a bird sees this bright red colouring, then they will be less likely to eat the butterfly.<ref>Hagen, S. B., Leinaas, H. P. and Lampe, H. M. (2003), Responses of great tits ''Parus major'' to small tortoiseshells ''Aglais urticae'' in feeding trials; evidence of aposematism. ''Ecological Entomology'', '''28''': 503–509</ref> The tortoiseshell butterfly is particularly fast. When discovered and attacked by a predator the tortoiseshell butterfly will fly away in a straight line in order to outstrip the predator.<ref name="Shreeve, T. G 1981">Shreeve, T. G. (1981) "Flight Patterns of Butterfly Species in Woodlands." ''Oecologia'' '''51''' (2): 289–93 {{JSTOR|4216536}}</ref> ===Territorial defence=== Most butterflies fail to display any territorial behaviour, probably due to selective environmental pressures. The female tortoiseshell butterflies generally are found in concentrated areas, so it is advantageous for males to stay in that particular area to increase their mating opportunities. Male butterflies usually bask and feed until mid-day and then display territorial behaviour until roosting. Males typically defend a certain territory for up to 90 minutes, unless they attempt to follow a female or are ousted by another male. The next day they find a new territory to defend. These territories tend to be in direct sunlight in areas that females choose to lay their eggs. More often than not, two or more males may end up sharing territory if the cost of defending the territory is greater than the benefit gained from monopolising the females.<ref name=":0" /> ===Male-male interaction=== In order for one male butterfly to gain dominance over the other, he must reach a position slightly above the other butterfly. The non-dominant male will then attempt a series of dives and climbs to escape the pursuer. After a certain distance travelled from the nest, one butterfly will return to the territory while the other flies along in search of another suitable location.<ref name=":0" />
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