The small tortoiseshell is a colorful, widespread Eurasian butterfly with a wingspan of 45 to 50 mm. Females are larger than males.
The beautiful patterning of the small tortoiseshell, comprising of black patches, areas of bright yellowish-orange, and a fringe of blue spots around both the hind and forewings, makes this species instantly recognizable.
The small tortoiseshell overwinters as an adult [first generation]. It normally emerges from hibernation at the end of March and start of April. It remains on the wing until early May. The second generation is on the wing between July and September.