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Life Stages Diagram
The bars in this diagram show approximate times of the year when the butterfly will be present, in Nova Scotia, in its various life stages.

The dates shown for the adult stage are based on actual reports for Nova Scotia. The majority of reports will be within the period shown, but small numbers of adults will be earlier or later.

Dates for egg, larva and pupa are based on what information was available regarding time periods for eggs to develop, and typical time required for pupation. Like the adults, some records can be expected outside the date ranges we have shown. We caution that dates for these immature stages are mostly conjectural.

Compton Tortoiseshell - Nymphalis l-album
[Compton Tortoiseshell image]
Compton Tortoiseshell - Apple River - 2022-04-13
Photo © Kathleen F. Spicer
What's this?
Status in Nova Scotia
Extremely rare to rare. The Maritimes Butterfly Atlas S-rank for this species is S1S2:Extremely rare to rare.

Flight Period
Early April to early June, and then early August to early October.

Habitat
Woodlands.

Larval Foodplants
Willow, birch and poplar.

Similar Species in Nova Scotia
None.

Notes
This species seldom visits flowers but is attracted to carrion, animal droppings and fermenting fruit.

Further Reading


Compton Tortoiseshell - Bear's Den Rd., NB, 2010-10-06
Compton Tortoiseshell - Bear's Den Rd., NB - 2010-10-06
2010-10-06
Photo © Jim Edsall
Compton Tortoiseshell - Atwood's Brook, 2003-08-26
Compton Tortoiseshell - Atwood's Brook - 2003-08-26
2003-08-26
Photo © Grant Milroy
Compton Tortoiseshell - Apple River, 2022-04-11
Compton Tortoiseshell - Apple River - 2022-04-11
2022-04-11
Photo © Kathleen F. Spicer
Compton Tortoiseshell - Apple River, 2022-04-11
Compton Tortoiseshell - Apple River - 2022-04-11
2022-04-11
Photo © Kathleen F. Spicer